First Viewing of the Completed Table Runner

Celebration of The Common Threads Project and First Viewing of the Completed Table Runner at Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral and The Fabric Vault are delighted to invite the public to a special celebration marking the completion of the Common Threads Table Runner, created for the Fenland Black Oak Table – the Table for the Nation.

On Thursday 26 March, join us in the Cathedral from 10.30–11.15am for a short service celebrating the creativity, care and community spirit that has brought this extraordinary textile project to life. The service will conclude with a blessing of the completed table runner.

This will be the first opportunity to see the table runner in its entirety. Following the service, the finished piece will be displayed on the Fenland Black Oak Table from 10.00–17.00, offering a special preview ahead of its full exhibition in June.

Philippa Hubbard, Programme Coordinator at Lichfield Cathedral commented: “We are delighted to welcome people to celebrate the creativity, dedication and care that has shaped the Common Threads project. It has grown beyond expectations, capturing the interest of those passionate about heritage arts, textiles and craft, while forming a wonderfully warm and creative community among those involved.”

All are warmly invited to attend the service, or to drop in after 11.15am to view the table runner displayed on the Fenland Black Oak Table.

Find out more: www.lichfield-cathedral.org/fenland

About the Common Threads Table Runner Project

The Common Threads project is a community‑driven textile collaboration led by Lichfield Cathedral in partnership with The Fabric Vault. Conceived to accompany the Fenland Black Oak Table, the Table for the Nation, the project brings together stitchers of all ages and abilities to create a unique, handcrafted table runner inspired by themes of unity, heritage, and shared creativity.

Over recent months, individuals, schools, community groups, craft organisations and experienced embroiderers have contributed stitched panels, motifs and embellishments reflecting the rich stories, landscapes and identities of the region. The project celebrates traditional needlecraft, reviving historic techniques while encouraging modern interpretation and community participation.

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to reconnecting people with the long heritage of British textile arts, giving space for creativity, conversation and wellbeing. Hundreds of hours of volunteer work have gone into the creation of the runner, which showcases an extraordinary range of hand‑crafted techniques including appliqué, embroidery, quilting and decorative stitching.

Each contribution has been carefully assembled to form the completed runner that will be displayed on the Fenland Black Oak Table, a remarkable 5,000‑year‑old prehistoric oak discovered in 2012 and transformed into a national symbol of craftsmanship and connection.

The Common Threads project is an expression of community goodwill, imagination and shared purpose, demonstrating how collaborative creativity can bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Following its first public preview at Lichfield Cathedral, the finished runner will form part of a wider programme of exhibitions and events celebrating heritage craft and community-led artistry.