We’re off to a flying start! The first two drop-in sessions for our community bunting project at Erewash Museum were a huge success, filled with sunshine, music, and plenty of creativity.
Visitors were treated to lively entertainment from Imagination in Motion and uplifting brass music from the Beeston Big Bands, setting the perfect atmosphere for making and sharing together.
And what a start we’ve made 10 meters of bunting are already complete towards our ambitious 50-meter target! From tying colourful rag ribbons to carefully stitching embroidered flags, participants of all ages joined in, sharing their ideas of what makes a brilliant party. Suggestions ranged from the sweet and simple, lollipops, party dresses, and cake, to thoughtful reflections on family memories and community spirit.
But we’ve still got a long way to go… and we need your help! You can get involved by:
- Adding your own ribbon to our growing rag bunting.
- Joining one of our creative workshops to design an embroidered or appliqué flag, inspired by memories of VE and VJ Day as well as what celebration means to us today.
This project is all about bringing people together to collaboratively create a 50-meter-long community bunting installation, ready to be unveiled at the Erewash Museum’s War Time Variety Show on Friday, 29th August.
Drop-in workshops will be held throughout August, where visitors of all ages and abilities can take part. Whether it’s a quick ribbon tie or a carefully stitched memory, every contribution helps us reflect on the past while celebrating the present.
Embracing the “make do and mend” ethos of the 1940s, all bunting is made from reclaimed red, white, and blue fabrics, connecting us to history while creating something new together. A section of this collaborative creation will also feature in the upcoming exhibition “From Gas Masks to Garden Parties”, opening in September, and the bunting will continue to bring joy at future museum events.
So why not join in? Pick up a ribbon, share a memory, or sit down for a stitch, together we can create something truly special.
Every Stitch A Story 