The UK’s Cold War heritage community came together at the Yorkshire Air Museum for the official launch of National Cold War Heritage Week 2026, organised by The Cold War Network, marking the start of a nationwide programme running from 18 – 24 May 2026.
The launch event brought together representatives from museums, archives, universities, volunteer‑run sites and independent researchers from across the country. The event also featured a live, immersive presentation by guest speaker Iain Betson on the Wartime Broadcasting Service, offering attendees a rare and compelling insight into Britain’s emergency communications during the Cold War.
National Cold War Heritage Week 2026 features a broad range of free and paid activities from sites including Scotland’s Secret Bunker, Kelvedon Hatch, Hack Green, The Tank Museum, RAF Radar Museum, Orford Ness, Barnton Quarry, and dozens more. An interactive map and full listings are available on The Cold War Network website.
The programme aims to broaden public understanding of the Cold War’s impact on communities, infrastructure and culture, while supporting the organisations working to preserve this history.
Dr Peter Robinson, Chair of The Cold War Network, said:
“The launch event at the Yorkshire Air Museum demonstrated the strength, diversity and ambition of the UK’s Cold War heritage community. National Cold War Heritage Week is now firmly established as a national programme, bringing together organisations of all sizes to share stories, research and public engagement. This year’s schedule shows just how much momentum there is behind telling this history in new and accessible ways.”
During the launch, The Cold War Network also highlighted progress on two major sector resources funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s ‘Awards for All’ scheme. These toolkits are being co‑created with member organisations to support long‑term capacity building across the heritage sector.
The Education Toolkit will help sites deliver curriculum‑linked sessions for GCSE and A‑Level Cold War studies, as well as local history learning for younger audiences. The Engagement Toolkit will support volunteer recruitment, event planning, interpretation, community engagement and organisational sustainability. Both will be accompanied by training webinars later in the year.
Ryan John Ellis, Vice Chair of The Cold War Network, said:
“Alongside the public programme, we are investing in the long‑term resilience of the sector. The National Lottery Community Fund–supported toolkits are being developed collaboratively with our members to ensure they meet real needs and strengthen capacity across the UK. National Cold War Heritage Week is about public engagement, but it is also about supporting the organisations who keep this history alive, and this year marks a significant step forward.”
ENDS
Photograph Credit: Molly Tunstall/Brimstone Marketing
Primary Contact – Brimstone Marketing: mollytunstall@brimstonemarketing.co.uk
Additional Information – The Cold War Network: info@coldwarnetwork.co.uk