Aerospace Bristol Receives £130,000 from Culture Recovery Fund: Emergency Resource Support Fund Round 2

Aerospace Bristol has received a much-needed boost in the form of a generous grant from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, Emergency Support Fund Round 2, administered by Arts Council.

The crucial grant has made it possible for the museum, which is operated by registered charity Bristol Aero Collection Trust, to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and continue its work to preserve and celebrate Bristol’s remarkable aerospace heritage, enhance STEM learning, and inspire future generations of engineers.

 Lloyd Burnell, Executive Director, Aerospace Bristol said:

“Thanks to vital support from the Culture Recovery Fund, Aerospace Bristol, has been able to survive the unprecedented challenge of the covid-19 pandemic, keeping our museum open and continuing our award-winning learning programme and conservation work.

We’re enormously grateful for this crucial grant and it’s fantastic to now see the results of this support, as visitors return to Aerospace Bristol to discover our incredible aviation heritage, step aboard Concorde, and enjoy days out together again.” 

As a passionate supporter of Aerospace Bristol and one of the museum’s long-standing ambassadors, former British Airways Concorde pilot, Captain Les Brodie, was “thrilled” to hear about the vital grant. Captain Brodie said:  

“As a former Concorde pilot, I believe it is absolutely vital that we preserve our precious aviation heritage for future generations and inspire young people to become the scientists and engineers of the future.

I’m thrilled that, thanks to the kind support of The Arts Council, Aerospace Bristol has been able to make it through the pandemic and Concorde will continue to spark inspiration in young minds for many years to come.” 

Aerospace Bristol is currently open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4.30pm, and 7 days a week during the school holidays. The museum has a packed programme of activities for families to enjoy together this Easter, including a demonstration of Concorde’s droop nose on Saturday 9 April to kick-off the Easter holiday and mark the 53rd anniversary of the first British Concorde flight.