The Cold War Network (CWN) proudly marked a major milestone today with the launch of the UK’s first National Cold War Heritage Week, held at the Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University. The initiative marks another successful chapter in Network’s rapid growth and impact.
Welcoming the launch, Cold War Network Founder and Chairperson – Dr Peter Robinson – said:
“Four years ago, with my colleague Dr Milka Ivanova, we secured a small British Academy Grant to explore Cold War heritage in Eastern and Western Europe. This project evolved to become The Cold War Network. Today, we have more than 500 members and celebrated the launch of the UK’s first National Cold War Heritage Week. A massive thank you to everyone who attended and supported us.”
the award-winning Cold War Conversations podcast and The Unconventional Soldier podcast.
The celebratory day-long event on Friday, 16 May immersed attendees in Cold War history through:
- Engaging presentations from heritage professionals, including Dr Meredith Greiling (National Museums Scotland), Ryan Ellis (Royal Signals Museum) and Glen Pearce (National Trust – Orford Ness).
- An interactive live podcast recording featuring a unique collaboration between the award-winning Cold War Conversations podcast and The Unconventional Soldier podcast.
- The book launch of Britain’s Cold War Heritage (available to purchase from the CWN Shop) by Dr Peter Robinson and Dr Milka Ivanova.
- A dramatic site showdown featuring contributions from English Heritage, the National Trust, as well as the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial.
- A striking display of military vehicles, provided by the Military Vehicles Trust.
This event was executed by a student team from Leeds Beckett University’s Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management programme. Special praise goes to team members Molly Tunstall, Holly Bradford, Holly Tatton, and the rest of the student cohort.
Remarking on the opportunity to work with the Network, Molly (now a member of the Network’s Advisory Board in her role as founder of Brimstone Marketing) said:
“It’s hard to put into words just how proud I am of what we pulled off. Months of planning, coordinating 14 sites, working closely with the Cold War Network, and bringing together such a passionate community around Cold War heritage. I’ve been working on this project since October 2024 as part of our final consultancy module, and it’s been one of the most rewarding (and challenging) things I’ve done at university.”
The launch event was made possible due to generous support from Leeds Beckett University, the Airfield Research Group and the Nuclear Community Charity Fund.
Attendee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the event’s scholarly presentations, networking opportunities and hands-on vehicle tours as standout moments. The launch demonstrated the power of the Cold War Network to engage diverse audiences and spotlight the enduring legacy of the period and its heritage.
