Memorial quilts for lives lost to suicide are coming to Cornwall

A set of quilts, each square stitched in memory of someone who died by suicide, is about to travel the length of the country. Cornwall is one of the stops.

The Speak Their Name Memorial Quilts begin their Summer 2026 tour at the end of July. Over the weeks that follow they will move between some of the UK’s best known venues and events, reaching tens of thousands of people along the way.

What the quilts are

The quilts are made by people bereaved by suicide. Each square honours one person and tells their story through fabric, embroidery, photographs and personal mementoes. Visitors can view up to 20 of them across the summer, spend time with the individual squares, and connect with local support organisations and others affected by suicide loss.

Where the tour goes

The tour opens at the Festival of Quilts at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from 30 July to 2 August, billed as Europe’s largest quilt show. From there it moves to Edinburgh Waverley Station on 1 and 2 August, just before the Edinburgh International Festival, then to Glasgow Central Station on 8 and 9 August.

After Scotland the quilts travel to the Southport Flower Show from 20 to 23 August, the UK’s largest independent flower show. From there they head south to Cornwall, before the SHQA Quilt Show in Brighton on 5 and 6 September. A London event is also planned.

Coming to Cornwall

The Cornwall visit falls between the Southport show, which closes on 23 August, and the Brighton show in early September. Full details of where and when the quilts will be shown in the county are on the tour page.

The people behind it

Ashley Redsell, Director of Speak Their Name, said the quilts are a reminder that every life matters and every person deserves to be remembered.

“Behind every square is a loved and missed individual whose story continues through the people who care about them,” Ashley said. “We hope the Summer 2026 tour will create opportunities for connection and conversation, helping to break down stigma around suicide while offering comfort and hope to those affected by it.”

The quilts have already brought together thousands of people affected by suicide loss. Visitors this summer are encouraged to spend time with them, reflect on the stories in each square, and find out more about the support available for anyone bereaved by suicide.

Full tour dates and venue information are on the Summer 2026 tour page.