Knitted D-Day display cancelled over safety fears

An exhibition recreating D-Day and the Normandy Landings in yarn has been cancelled due to safety concerns and a lack of space.

The 80m-long (262ft) knitted and crocheted exhibition, called The Longest Yarn, was due to go on display in the American Library in Norwich's Millennium Library from Tuesday until 1 March.

However, the American Library said on social media the event had been cancelled by Norfolk County Council, which runs the Millennium Library, "without consultation with the American Library staff or trustees".

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."

The American Library is a living memorial to nearly 7,000 personnel of the 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, United States Army Air Forces, who were based in East Anglia during World War Two and were killed in action, as well as those who survived.

The display was created by about 180 crafters from across the world, including the United States, Australia, Canada and France and recreates 80 scenes from the 1944 invasion.

It is due to go on display at Peterborough Cathedral from 4 March to 31 March.

Norfolk County Council said it sincerely apologised for the cancellation and wanted to "express our deep regret for the disappointment" it had caused.

Its statement added: "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 short notice that would do justice to this powerful visual display."

The exhibition has been on display in France before touring Britain, and is due to go on show in the United States in April.

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