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 poppy cascade 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 cascade
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 form a flowing cascade 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 stitch 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. Please check back for times and dates...
the launch of the project
Monday 4 May, 10:00–12:00
Lichfield Cathedral
The project will be officially launched with a public event at the Cathedral. Visitors are invited to find out more about the project, meet the team and learn how to make their own poppy.
All are welcome. Entry by donation.
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
If you have any questions about Common Threads or the celebration event, please contact suzie.santomassimo@lichfield-cathedral.org
In partnership with:
