Abergavenny in South Wales is set to welcome one of the UK’s most celebrated touring heritage exhibitions when The Longest Yarn: Britain at War arrives at St Mary’s Priory Church in May 2027, offering visitors a unique new reason to explore the town and the surrounding Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Photo courtesy @TheLongestYarn

The acclaimed exhibition, which has attracted significant attention across the UK, uses knitting and crochet to tell the story of Britain during the Second World War. Stretching for 80 metres, the installation features detailed handcrafted scenes and life-sized textile figures created by hundreds of volunteers from around the world.

Combining art, history and remembrance, The Longest Yarn: Britain at War presents key moments from wartime life, highlighting the experiences of ordinary people during one of the most significant periods in modern history. Through carefully researched displays, visitors will encounter scenes depicting evacuation, rationing, the Blitz, military service and the celebrations that marked Victory in Europe Day.

Photo courtesy @TheLongestYarn

The exhibition is the result of a large-scale international community effort, with contributors dedicating thousands of hours to crafting the intricate displays. Their work creates a powerful visual tribute to the resilience, courage and determination shown by communities throughout the war years.

Beverley Smith, Church Warden at St Mary’s Priory Church, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Longest Yarn to Abergavenny. This extraordinary exhibition combines history, creativity and remembrance in a way that is both moving and accessible. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Wales and beyond to experience this unique installation within the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Priory Church.”

Photo courtesy @TheLongestYarn

With its blend of historical storytelling, artistic craftsmanship and community spirit, The Longest Yarn: Britain at War is expected to be among the standout cultural attractions in Wales during 2027.

Located within one of Wales’s most attractive market towns, St Mary’s Priory Church provides an impressive setting for the exhibition and adds to the appeal for visitors seeking meaningful cultural experiences.

Abergavenny is one of Wales’s most attractive towns © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2026) Cymru Wales

Alongside the exhibition itself, visitors can explore Abergavenny’s thriving independent retail scene, cafés, restaurants and historic attractions, as well as the scenic landscapes of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The combination of a major touring exhibition and the town’s wider tourism offer makes it an attractive option for day trips, group travel and short breaks.

If you or your group would like to see The Longest Yarn in Abergavenny on a tailor-made tour of Wales, please do contact our friendly team today. Or perhaps you would like to enjoy a dedicated arts, crafts or quilting tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland? If so, we can help!

As a touring exhibition, The Longest Yarn can be seen across Great Britain, so if you can’t make it to Abergavenny, you may be able to catch the exhibition elsewhere on your travels. Please contact us for more information.