Residents are invited to pick up their knitting needles and crochet hooks to help create a sea of poppies for Chelmsford's Remembrance Day commemorations.
Chelmsford Cathedral will host a bigΒ community knit-a-thon on Saturday 8 August 2026, from 10am to 12pm, bringing together crafters of all ages and abilities for a morning of creativity, community spirit and cake.
Thousands of knitted poppies needed
The free event forms part of a city-wide effort to create thousands of handcrafted poppies for the Remembrance Day Poppy Festival 2026, a major community tribute being organised by Chelmsford City Council, Chelmsford CVS and Chelmsford Cathedral in support of the Royal British Legion. The finished poppies will help transform locations across Chelmsford into striking displays of remembrance later in the year.
Whether you're an experienced knitter, a keen crocheter, part of a local crafting group or completely new to yarn crafts, everyone is welcome. Organisers hope the event will encourage people to come together, learn new skills and play a part in a meaningful community project.
The wider poppy appeal is aiming to collect thousands of handmade poppies, which will be used to decorate some of Chelmsford's best-known locations in the city centre. Visitors will also be able to donate to the Royal British Legion through collection points linked to the displays.
The Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Cllr Stephen Robinson, hopes as many people as possible will take part in the big knit-a-thon event:
The Remembrance Day Poppy Festival is a wonderful example of Chelmsford coming together to create something meaningful. Every knitted or crocheted poppy represents a small act of kindness and remembrance, and I hope many residents will join in with the knit-a-thon to be part of this special community tribute.
Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council
Cake and craft
Refreshments will be provided by the Cathedral's Social and Fundraising Team, helping to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while crafters stitch, chat and contribute to the growing collection of poppies.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own yarn and needles where possible. Poppy patterns are available online for knitters and crocheters of all skill levels.Β The event is free but booking is encouraged to keep track of the number of attendees.Β
Everyone is welcome, including beginners. There will be volunteers on hand to help people new to the craft. Those who can't or don't want to knit can still support the project by donating yarn for others to use.
The details:
Saturday 8 August 2026 from 10am to 12pm at Chelmsford Cathedral, CM1 1TY.
There is no charge to attend, but free tickets should be booked in advance to help organisers plan for numbers.
Bring your own knitting needles, crochet hooks and yarn.
All abilities are welcome! Volunteers can help you if you're a beginner but want to have a go.
