What is the Poppies Project?
The Poppies Project is an 18-month community craft project bringing people together from across Lichfield and the wider diocese to create a shared act of remembrance.
In partnership with The Fabric Vault, the project will culminate in a large-scale (and hopefully record-breaking!) sweeping poppies installation at the Cathedral for Remembrance 2027.
We hope to create a record-breaking display made entirely from community-crafted poppies in red, purple, black and white—honouring those affected by war and those committed to peace.
Individuals, schools, community groups and organisations are all invited to take part, contributing handmade poppies to a collective artwork that reflects memory, hope and community.
About the installation
The installation will be made up of over 100,000 handmade poppies, each one created by a member of the community. These will be joined together to be displayed at Lichfield Cathedral for Remembrance 2027.
Poppies can be created in a range of colours, each carrying its own meaning:
- Red - remembering victims of war and conflict
- Purple - remembering animals affected by war
- Black - remembering African and Caribbean communities
- White - remembering those committed to peace
Each poppy will form part of a larger whole - a shared artwork that brings together many voices, stories and acts of creativity.
Taking part
The project is open to everyone, regardless of experience. Contributors are invited to create poppies using any textile method, including knitting, crochet, sewing or embroidery.
Poppies can be any size and may include green leaves. To enable them to be joined into the final installation, each poppy should include a loop or piece of string for attachment.
Completed poppies can be dropped off at Lichfield Cathedral or The Fabric Vault.
Throughout the project, free community Poppy Stitch Club sessions will be held at Lichfield Cathedral, offering opportunities to learn new skills, meet others and contribute to the project in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Poppy Stitch Clubs
Monday 4 May 10:00 – 12:00
Monday 25 May 10:00 – 12:00*
Tuesday 26 May 10:00 – 12:00*, 14:00 – 16:00* & 18:15 - 19:45
Wednesday 27 May 10:00 – 12:00*
Thursday 28 May 10:00 – 12:00*
Friday 19 June 10:00 – 12:00 & 18:15-19:45
Tuesday 21 July 14:00 – 16:00* & 18:15-19:45
Monday 3 August 10:00–12:00* & 14:00–16:00*
Thursday 6 August 10:00–12:00* & 14:00–16:00*
Monday 10 August 10:00–12:00* & 14:00–16:00*
Monday 17 August 10:00–12:00* & 14:00–16:00*
Thursday 13 August 10:00–12:00* & 14:00–16:00*
Tuesday 18 August 14:00 – 16:00* & 18:15-19:45
Thursday 20 August 10:00–12:00* & 14:00–16:00*
Monday 24 August 10:00–12:00* & 14:00–16:00*
Wednesday 26 August 10:00–12:00* & 14:00–16:00*
Tuesday 8 September 14:00 – 16:00 & 18:15-19:45
Tuesday 6 October 14:00 – 16:00 & 18:15-19:45
Monday 26 October 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00*
Tuesday 27 October 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00*
Wednesday 28 October 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00*
Thursday 29 October 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00*
Monday 2 November 10:00 – 12:00
Friday 18 December 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00
Monday 28 December 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00*
*All ages welcome - as these are during school holidays, bring your small people along to have a go!
Progress & display
The Poppies Project will run over 18 months, with opportunities to see the project develop along the way. A progress update will be shared in November 2026.
The completed installation will be unveiled in Lichfield Cathedral in October 2027, forming a central part of the Cathedral’s Remembrance programme.
Further information
To find out more and to download a pattern, please visit the Fabric Vault's website.
Visit: Poppies Project
£1 from every sale of the patterns or project packs (available to buy at the Fabric Vault and Lichfield Cathedral Shop) goes to support The Royal British Legion.
In partnership with:
