Longest Yarn raises thousands for local causes

Welshpool's Longest Yarn exhibition has been hailed a huge success after raising more than £29,000 for good causes and attracting visitors from across the world.

The remarkable exhibition, which tells the story of Britain at war entirely through knitting and crochet, drew thousands of pounds into the local economy during its month-long September run at Welshpool Town Hall.

Organiser Alan Crowe (above) said the exhibition had been a tremendous success, not only in raising vital funds for good causes but also in providing a significant boost to Welshpool’s economy with local businesses also benefiting from the exhibition’s popularity.

Visitors travelled from across the UK, including London, Liverpool, Cardiff, Lancaster, Devon and Somerset, while overseas guests were registered from Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Rome.

More than £29,000 was raised through ticket sales, refreshments, merchandise, donations and a series of fringe events, benefiting numerous local and national charities and community organisations.

Beneficiaries include The Longest Yarn charity, ENSA Memorial Appeal, Welshpool 1940s Weekend, St Mary's Church, Inspire Cancer Support Group, Hope House, Welshpool Rotary Club and several local Women’s Institutes.

Other organisations to benefit include Welshpool U3A, Friends of Welshpool High School, Veterans Afloat, Welshpool Visually Impaired Club, Welshpool Methodist Church and the Memorial Benches Welshpool initiative.