National Cold War Heritage Week 2025: A Brimstone Success Story
- molly tunstall
- Aug 16
- 2 min read
At Brimstone, I believe great marketing is about creating impact that lasts. Cold War Heritage Week 2025 is a perfect example of that, how strategy, creativity, and collaboration can transform a new idea into a national movement.
Back in October 2024, I began working with the Cold War Network (CWN) through a student consultancy project. What started as a university brief soon became one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, helping launch the UK’s first ever National Cold War Heritage Week.
What We Achieved Together
14 Cold War heritage sites took part, connecting museums, bunkers, and military locations under one national campaign.
The launch event at Leeds Beckett University welcomed around 50 attendees, from scholars and heritage professionals to students and Cold War enthusiasts. A multi-format day of talks, exhibitions, podcasts, and military displays created a memorable, multi-sensory experience that resonated deeply.
304 new members joined the Cold War Network during the campaign, pushing membership beyond 600.
A new online shop went live, selling books, merchandise, and CWN stickers, now proudly displayed by supporters.
National press coverage spanned BBC News, East Anglian Daily Times, Dorset Echo, Eastern Daily Press, Isle of Wight County Press, and more. Estimated media value: £38,000.
Social media campaigns amplified activity across all 14 sites, showcasing unique stories, from robot dogs exploring bunkers to behind-the-scenes tours of atomic facilities.
Why This Matters
The 2025 NCWHW didn’t just raise awareness, it repositioned Cold War heritage within national conversations about history, place, and identity. By securing press coverage equivalent to £38,000 worth of advertising, and by drawing in over 300 new members, the campaign proved the tangible impact of strategic marketing.
Even more importantly, it established CWN as the leading authority on Cold War heritage in the UK, opening the door for future funding, collaborations, and long-term audience growth.
The Brimstone Approach
This project highlights what Brimstone does best: turning strategy into measurable results.
For CWN, this meant:
A cohesive outreach and communications plan.
Consistent social media storytelling across multiple organisations.
Event promotion that translated into national press and new memberships.
For your organisation, it could mean a tailored marketing plan, graphic designs, one-
off campaign support, or ongoing consultancy.
The core principle is the same: aligning strategy with story to deliver impact that lasts.
Looking Ahead
Cold War Heritage Week 2025 was just the beginning. Plans are already underway for 2026, building on this momentum to expand reach and engagement even further.
If your organisation wants marketing support that goes beyond likes and clicks, to real outcomes, audience growth, and long-term visibility, let’s talk.
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