International Bomber Command Centre celebrates record breaking year

THE INTERNATIONAL Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincolnshire is celebrating a record-breaking year that’s on course to comfortably surpass 100,000 visitors in 2023 alone.

The centre has enjoyed success right across the board. From hosting more than 250 events and welcoming 118 different groups, to enjoying a 60% and 70% increase year-on-year for children and adult learning respectively.  

This fantastic year has also seen more than 12,000 volunteer hours logged, a number of prestigious award wins including the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, and the visits of nine veterans, five of which were 100 or older. A special mention should also go to the IBCC’s catering team who have served more than 38,000 meals. 

Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the International Bomber Command Centre, said: “2023 is a year that will live long in the memory for everyone associated with the IBCC. To be celebrating success in so many different areas of the business reflects our significant efforts in providing an insightful day out for visitors of all ages.  

“These efforts are the result of the regular displays we bring to the centre, like the installation of the Men of the Dams which commemorates 80 years since the famous Dambusters Raid which saw 53 young men pay the ultimate sacrifice. It’s also been fantastic to be recognised with so many awards, such as the King’s Award for Voluntary Service which is the equivalent to an MBE and truly highlights the amazing efforts of those who give up their time to support the centre. Without them what we do would not be possible. 

“The centre itself is funded by tickets and donations alone so welcoming more than 100,000 visitors in a single year alone will go a long way in allowing us to continue to spread the word of Bomber Command during World War II. 

“For anyone that hasn’t had the chance to visit yet we encourage them to do so in 2024 as we will not be resting on our laurels. We are aiming for an even bigger and better year as we celebrate the 80^th anniversary of the Great Escape and D-Day for which we have lots planned, with details being released in due course.” 

The International Bomber Command Centre created and utilises the worlds’ largest free to access digital heritage collection on Bomber Command. First opening in 2018, the archive has been carefully developed by an international team of more than 400 volunteers and contains thousands of first-hand historical accounts, photographs and documents from all sides of the war. The centre also has a memorial Spire surrounded by walls containing the names of the 57,861 men and women who lost their lives serving and supporting Bomber Command, as well as interactive exhibition galleries. 

The International Bomber Command Centre is open from 9:30am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday, with last entry to the Exhibition at 3pm. For more information about the centre, or to book tickets and donate, please visit internationalbcc.co.uk.