Celebrating peace: bridge gets ‘giant patchwork’ makeover for arts festival in Britain

People and vehicles move on Llangollen Bridge covered in patchwork by artist Luke Jerram in Llangollen, Wales. Photo: Reuters

In Wales, a bridge was transformed into a giant patchwork last weekend in conjunction with the International Musical Eisteddfod.

The "Bridges, Not Walls" installation work at the Llangollen Bridge, which covers both sides of the 60m-long bridge, was created by British artist Luke Jerram.

It comprises 800 squares of fabric, each measuring 1m wide. These handcrafted squares of fabric were contributed by people in the local community and around the world.

“When I first saw the medieval Llangollen Bridge, I fell in love with it. It is so iconic and at the heart of the town. Across the world, bridges have always been used as both a physical and symbolic way to connect people – which fits perfectly with the aims and ambitions of the Eisteddfod. The message and celebration of peace is at the heart of the Llangollen Eisteddfod and so this historic bridge, one of the seven wonders of Wales, makes the perfect canvas, ” said Jerram in a recent Nation Cymru news report.

A woman walks past the patchwork installation covering Llangollen Bridge. Photo: Reuters

Llangollen Bridge was named in the 18th century as one of the "Seven Wonders of Wales".

“We are hugely excited about ‘Bridges, Not Walls’ which celebrates everything Llangollen's much-loved Eisteddfod stands for, as well as offering us a physical connection with this beautiful town for this year's online event and attracting visitors over the summer, ” said Betsan Moses, interim chief executive of the Llangollen Eisteddfod for 2021.

"The Llangollen Eisteddfod was founded on the idea of bringing peace and this year's cultural programme expresses what it stands for: peace, creativity and togetherness, ” she added.

Luke Jerram's ‘Bridges, Not Walls’ artwork covers both sides of the Llangollen Bridge. Photo: Reuters

Due to the pandemic restrictions, this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was largely held online.

This event has been held every summer since 1947, with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic. It usually attracts over 4, 000 performers from around the world and 35, 000 visitors to Llangollen.

"Bridges, Not Walls" will remain in place on Llangollen Bridge until Aug 5.