By Kevin Wilkins
A breathtaking aerial view of a striking new art installation has been captured by a BBC drone at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln, revealing over 20,000 ceramic poppies arranged across the site—including a powerful tribute in the unmistakable silhouette of a Lancaster bomber. The installation, part of the VE80 Lincoln project commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, is the work of Lithuanian-born artist Darius Sirmulevicius, who has called Lincolnshire home since 1998. His vision pays homage not only to the sacrifice of wartime aircrews but also to the enduring legacy of the region’s vital role in Bomber Command operations during the Second World War.
At the heart of the display, 617 handcrafted poppies have been delicately positioned around the IBCC’s Memorial Spire—a poignant nod to 617 Squadron, famously known as the Dambusters. This elite unit became one of the most decorated in RAF history, and their connection to Lincolnshire remains a source of local and national pride. The drone footage reveals the scale and intricacy of the installation, with the poppies forming sweeping lines and the unmistakable outline of the Lancaster—a symbol synonymous with courage, innovation, and the heavy toll of war.
“This project is about remembrance, art, and community,” said Sirmulevicius. “Each poppy is made by hand, and together they tell a story—a story of those who served and those who never came home.” The installation will remain on display at the IBCC until the end of August, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness a moving fusion of landscape, memory, and tribute. For those unable to visit in person, the drone footage provides a stunning perspective of the installation’s scale and emotional impact, serving as a virtual moment of reflection for a nation that continues to honour its past. For more information, visit www.visitlincoln.com/ve80/
