Commemorating 100 years of the Royal Observer Corps
‘Forewarned is Forearmed’ is a project that commemorates 100 years since the founding of the Observer Corps, a nationwide community of civilian volunteers who monitored Britain’s skies for sign of attack. Often known as the ‘eyes and ears of the RAF,’ the organisation gained its royal title in 1941.
Join us at York's Bunker on Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October for an immersive audio experience that explores the roles of Royal Observer Corps civilian volunteers at York Bunker.
An immersive audio experience in the Bunker
Experience a real-life nuclear war gaming exercise undertaken by the British Government at the height of the Cold War in 1983.
Produced by Digital Drama, join us at York Cold War Bunker on the evenings of Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October for an immersive audio experience that invites you inside the Government Cabinet meetings to eavesdrop on these decisions.
Explore the roles of Royal Observer Corps civilian volunteers at York Bunker and the steps they would have taken at a time of national crisis.
There are limited seats available, booking in advance is required.
Book tickets for York Bunker's Immersive Audio ExperienceA celebration of service
Over 1500 tiny concrete shelters were constructed across the UK, linked by larger headquarters such as the Group Control in York.
Across 70 years tens of thousands of people gave up their time to protect their fellow civilians. The project will celebrate that dedication, talking to ex-Observers and their families to tell new stories of the Royal Observer Corps community and its people.
The project will also work with communities living near the bunker to understand how the Cold War world shaped their lives, their emotions and anxieties. A new learning offer will be developed to bring more schools and other groups into the bunker itself.
The History of the Cold War
The end of the Second World War was met with joy and relief, but it was not long before Britain turned its attention to other potential threats. Winston Churchill’s 1946 ‘Iron Curtain’ speech warned the world of an uncertain future as tensions grew in relations with Britain’s former ally the Soviet Union, pitching East against West in what is commonly known as the Cold War.
Read more about the history of the Cold WarForewarned is Forearmed
Forewarned is Forearmed is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and delivered in partnership with Digital Drama.
More about York's Cold War Bunker
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Visit the bunker
Go underground to visit the York Cold War bunker as it would have looked when in operation. Pre-booking is essential.
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History of York Cold War Bunker
Learn more about the history of York's Cold War bunker and the crucial role it played in Britain’s defence against the impact of nuclear strikes.