D-Day exhibition cancelled over safety concerns (Image: The Longest Yarn)
A one-of-a-kind exhibition recreating D-Day and the Normandy Landings has been cancelled due to safety fears.
The display is entirely knitted and crocheted, spanning 80 metres long (262ft), and is called The Longest Yarn. However, due to the large number of visitors expected for such a small space, the event has been cancelled.
The exhibition was due to go on display in the American Library in Norwich’s Millennium Library from February 11 until March 1.
Posting on social media, the American Library announced the cancellation of the event by Norfolk Country Council, which operates the library, which they said was done “without consultation with the American Library staff or trustees”.
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The exhibition spans 80 metres long (Image: The Longest Yarn)
They added: “The American Library is very disappointed by the cancellation of The Longest Yarn installation. We are sorry to those who have been inconvenienced. For those in Eastern England, The Longest Yarn will be in Peterborough at Peterborough Cathedral March 4-April 1.”
In a statement, the council said: “As potential visitor numbers began to grow, concerns emerged about the ability to host such an important exhibition in a relatively small space in a way that it could be fully and safely enjoyed by those wishing to view it.
“All parties involved explored a range of alternatives, including other spaces in the library, and other sites in Norwich. However, no suitable option could be found at such a short notice that would do justice to this powerful visual display. Everyone involved deeply regrets that this is the case.”
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The Longest Yarn includes 80 scenes of the build up to the 6th June 1944 in England, including the horrors on the Landing Beaches and bloody battles.
The project was created with guidance and support from historians to represent true historical accuracy. Each scene has been selected by its creator to depict the event, with some creations displaying actual WW2 veterans.
The exhibition was on display in France before touring around Britain. The Longest Yarn is also expected to go on show in the United States in April this year.