Aerospace Bristol welcomed 109,000 visitors in 2023, marking a 40% increase.
Filton: Aerospace Bristol had an amazing year in 2023. They welcomed 109,000 visitors, which is a 40% increase from last year. This growth is exciting for the museum and the community.
The museum shared these numbers in its first impact report. You can check it out at aerospacebristol.org/our-impact. The report highlights the rise in school visits, which jumped from 8,800 to 13,200.
They also made progress on the Bolingbroke restoration project. Sally Cordwell, the CEO, expressed her delight about the report. She emphasized the museum’s role as a family destination and community hub.
Professor Sir Iain Gray, chair of the Bristol Aero Collection Trust, praised the museum’s growth. He thanked everyone who supported the charity and helped the museum thrive.
Some highlights from the impact report include the Journey to Mars exhibition, which celebrated Europe’s first Mars mission. Over 2,000 visitors attended the first Supersonic Brick Day, and the Father’s Day Car Show attracted more than 1,400 attendees.
A £61,000 grant from South Gloucestershire Council helped increase school visits. They provided coach travel bursaries for state schools, making it easier for students to visit.
Aerospace Bristol also partnered with Concord Church for a free community carol service. They donated 500 tickets in Christmas hampers, showing their commitment to the community.
Volunteers contributed over 11,000 hours to the museum from April 2023 to March 2024. In early 2024, Fosters Events became the new catering partner, enhancing the museum’s offerings.
To read the full impact report, visit aerospacebristol.org/our-impact.
