Westhoughton Community Network

Yarn Bombing is the name given to the idea idea of decorating a town, street furniture or parks with wool and yarn in a way that is colourful, eye-catching brightening up the locality for a few days. In the spirit of community, fun and residents coming together, and of encouraging arts and crafts. An idea that stated in America in Texas in 2005 as a creative way of using leftover and unfinished knitting projects, and has since spread worldwide. Here in the UK, there have been Yarn Bombing Festivals in Bath, Southport, Clitheroe, parts of London, Leigh… and now thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work over recent months of WCN group, Rainbow Crafts, it is about to be brought to Westhoughton in a festival of colour, community and entertainment.

By getting young and old, women and men, skilled and novice needlers involved in crocheting, knitting or weaving squares, long strips or coverings, the town centre for a few days will be awash with colour - and awe. The idea has really caught on and as well as the Rainbow Crafts ladies… schools, community groups, churches, local businesses and dignitaries are involved.

As well as the street décor and some impressive and unusual installations, there is to be a Crafts Market, a Community Royalty procession and crowning ceremony, a chance to remember those gone but not forgotten, a small funfair, and inflatables for children… and some of the best free local entertainment with appearances on the Mill Street stage by The Houghton Weavers, The Travellin' Strings and more. There will be displays of tractors and vintage motorcycles. A real celebration of community and the Westhoughton tradition of coming together and having fun. Westhoughton will be the place to be on the July 4th weekend.

Update 6/7/15: Westhoughton's first Yarn Bombing Festival has taken place and has been a phenomenal success. The street décor was imaginative and very impressive. The Community Queens parade had shades of the old Westhoughton Carnival (talk now of trying to bring it back for next year). There was a lot of attention from both public and media over the weekend. Good attractions and entertainment. The English weather held fine until 3pm on the Sunday. A great team effort, showcasing the tremendous community spirit here in Westhoughton. Little doubt the event will be repeated next year. Photos from the event here (selection) and on Flickr.

Collection of photos from around the UK.

Some of the items ready for the Westhoughton Yarn Bombing Festival. And a special way of remembering a loved one…

A few photos from the Westhoughton Yarn Bombing Festival 2015 below. More photos here.

Programme

Contact

For more information about the Westhoughton Yarn Bombing Festival, whether you want to be involved, come and visit, or volunteer to help on the day, drop us a line on the e-mail at the bottom of the page.

Online updates at Facebook group.

The final planning meeting took place on Tuesday, 23rd June at 6:00pm upstairs at Westhoughton Library. Volunteers are needed to help set up the event from Friday evening 3rd July (6pm) - attaching the installations to fixtures.

Previous events involving the Westhoughton Community Network (WCN), coming together to raise awareness of activities, inform and get people involved in a spirit of fun and friendship:

Sat, 1 June 2014 (Big Fun Day)
Sun, 2 June 2013 | Sat, 24 November 2012 | Sat, 21 April 2012.

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