The project commemorated the 85th anniversary of Sheffield’s most devastating wartime event through a programme of exhibitions, public engagement, oral history recording, digital storytelling and innovative AI-enhanced interpretation.

Supported by a £91,280 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, the project helped preserve the memories of the last surviving generation with first-hand recollections of the Blitz while engaging new audiences through events, media coverage, education and digital content.

The communications strategy combined traditional media relations, community engagement, social media, live streaming and emerging technologies to ensure the stories reached audiences far beyond Sheffield, helping transform a local heritage project into a nationally recognised anniversary campaign.

Project Highlights

• £91,280 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant
• 2 million+ total audience reach
• Coverage on ITV News at Ten, BBC Look North, ITV Calendar and regional press
• Major exhibition at the National Emergency Services Museum
• Oral histories preserved from the last surviving generation of Blitz witnesses
• 20 volunteers recruited and trained
• AI-enhanced interpretation helping engage new audiences with heritage