Handcrafted poppy cascade is on display in Barnsley town centre

A 14m-long cascade of handcrafted poppies has been unveiled in Barnsley town centre.

Featuring more than 3,000 crocheted and knitted flowers, the display is draped from the roof of The Glass Works as part of the town's Remembrance Day commemorations.

The poppies were created by The Barnsley Opals Women's Institute (BOWI) along with their friends, family and local community groups, including knit and natter groups and Monk Bretton line dancers.

Originally displayed at St Mary’s Church in the lead up to Remembrance Day in 2024, this year around an extra 1000 poppies have been crafted and added to the cascade, which is on display next to 200 Degrees and the entrance to the Alhambra Shopping Centre.

Sarah Dunn, from BOWI's committee, said “When we started creating the installation we wanted it to be a way to bring people together to create something we could be proud of and to display in our local area.

“Remembrance is an important time for so many of us and we wanted something for the wider Barnsley community to have as a mark of respect for our fallen soldiers and all those who have served.”

The cascade was officially unveiled by the organisers on Saturday, attended by representatives from the Royal British Legion and the Mayor of Barnsley. The poppies will be on display until mid-November.

The Royal British Legion will also be fundraising for the Poppy Appeal in the Alhambra Shopping Centre for the next few weeks, in the lead up to Remembrance Day.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Council, said: “We are honoured to support the installation in a prominent location in our town centre. We hope it gives everyone a chance to pause and remember the courageous men and women who have made sacrifices in times of war and conflict. The group behind this project have crafted a truly beautiful display that serves as a fitting tribute.”

The Council will be holding their annual Remembrance Sunday service on Sunday 9 November 2025, starting at 11am at the Town Hall war memorial.

This important event provides an opportunity to come together, reflect, and honour those who have lost their lives in conflict, and to show support for our armed forces, veterans, and their families.

The service will include the opportunity to lay a wreath, and will be followed by a parade.

For more information about the Remembrance Day service please visit https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/news/join-us-in-commemorating-remembrance-sunday/