Bradford City Hall has been many things over the years: the House of Commons, the Old Bailey, the courtroom where Corrie's Tracy Barlow had her infamous trial.
A popular filming location for TV and film production crews alike, it's seen many famous faces pass through its doors, including Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody and A-listers Kiera Knightley, John Malkovich and Rupert Grint.
Its history as a film location dates back decades according to professor David Wilson, a director at Bradford UNESCO City of Film.
Room at the Top, which dates all the way back to 1959, was one of the very first films to shoot here - winning its actors some significant accolades in the process.
More recently, the hall has played host to the Peaky Blinders crew - doubling for The Midland hotel in Birmingham as Tommy Shelby ascends the City Hall steps the inside staircase.
A museum volunteer stands inside one of the prison cells used in the filming of Peaky Blinders
Also housed within the City Hall is Bradford's Police museum, which is now open to visit and contains some sought-out filming locations of its own - like the old prison cells used to film parts of Peaky Blinders and Kiera Knightley's Official Secrets.
John Malkovich was also filmed here for The ABC Murders, in which he starred alongside Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint.
About to reopen to the public after sitting empty for over a year, the Police Museum is now taking bookings for fans who want to visit the old prison cells and explore the world of their favourite shows from 4th June.
There's a Peaky Blinders-themed event planned for the future, but for now the focus is on the weird and wonderful police memorabilia inside.
From vintage police vehicles to the 'death mask' of Albert Pierrepoint, the Clayton born hangman who executed over 400 people (including many Nazis) during his career, there's plenty of weird and wonderful artifacts to be seen here.
You'll tour the old prison cells, led by guards in old-fashioned Victorian uniforms right up to more contemporary ones, and view relics from a different age of policing - such as 'old Sparky', a 1920s chair from Manningham Police Station once used to restrain violent prisoners.
On arrival, you'll be given a card with the name of someone from the past - be that a policeman, executioner or prisoner - who you'll learn about as the tour progresses.
On your way, look out for holograms of famous prisoners like Harry Houdini, the famous escape artist who once disappeared from a locked cell here, and ‘Chains Charlie’, a burglar who is said to still haunt the site today.
There'll also be some re-enactments of real murder cases happening upstairs in City Hall’s Victorian courtroom, which members of the public will be invited to judge as members of a mock jury.
Pre-booking is essential, with slots filling up fast already. Head over to the Bradford Police Museum's website to book your slot.
The Bradford Police Museum reopens on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th June 2021, and then every Friday and Saturday onwards until the end of November between 10am and 4pm.
Feature image - Billy Wilson.
Bradford
The UK’s biggest Asian shopping mall is opening in Bradford this weekend
After years in the making, Signature Mall Bradford will be opening in the heart of the city.
Signature Mall is one of the UK’s most anticipated Asian retail and lifestyle destinations that will officially be opening its doors this Saturday 16 May.
This is a major milestone for the city, bringing together a mix of premium South Asian fashion, jewellery, beauty, dining, and lifestyle brands all under one roof.
It's a huge step for the city as the new opening is expected to attract thousands of visitors from all over the country.
Images: Supplied
The space has been designed to deliver a modern and seamless shopping experience, featuring a total of 45 vendors all in one mall.
You'll be able to find everything from premium jewellery and bridal retailers to family-friendly leisure facilities and beauty brands.
There will also be a large food and drink offering.
The opening of Signature Mall is also expected to generate new employment opportunities and provide a platform for both established and emerging businesses within the South Asian retail sector.
Signature Mall representatives have said: “Signature Mall is more than just a shopping destination, it is a celebration of culture, community, and entrepreneurship. We are proud to bring this exciting new development to Bradford and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond.”
The Signature Mall will be located on Preston Street in Bradford and you can find more about it here via their website.
An exhibition celebrating 70 years of Eurovision is heading to Bradford later this month
Thomas Melia
There's a brand new exhibition taking place in a major museum right in the centre of Bradford, celebrating 70 years of Eurovision.
Kicking off on Friday 15 May at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford this latest instalment is titled 'Setting the Stage: 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest'.
This new exhibition is dedicated to spotlighting iconic moments that have occurred throughout the annual music event's seven decade history.
It isn't just a chance to see and learn about all things Eurovision, there's also opportunities for you to get involved as this is an interactive experience.
Anyone paying a visit to this museum in Bradford will be able to put on a performance or two with a pop-up stage as well as voting in the Nil Points Jukebox.
This new exhibition taking place in a major museum right in the centre of Bradford is celebrating 70 years of Eurovision / Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons via supplied
In true National Science and Media Museum style, this exhibition devles into the music that has formed Eurovision's legacy as well as showing off all the impressive technical innovations and advancements.
Get up close and personal with gadgets like a Shure Duraplex headset that helps artists deliver groundbreaking performances without the need of a handheld microphone.
And step back in time by observing a Marconi Mk III camera head, which was used for broadcasts during the 50's, a real revelation of its time.
There will be content from fans and professionals who have contributed to the live music show in many ways, from outfits to hosts and of course the varying performers who captivate us every single year.
The main focus of this exhibition is the evolution of technology and production throughout Eurovision Song Contest's history, however music and performance are also acknowledged too.
Officially, the Eurovision Song Contest final will take place on Saturday 16 May and this Bradford museum is hosting a 'Setting the Stage: Live' event on this very date.
Expect a big family party with live music, a silent disco and a range of engaging activities like crafts and face-painting to get you into the Eurovision spirit.
If you're interested in celebrating 70 years of Eurovision by checking out 'Setting the Stage', you can find tickets and more info HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
2nd June 2021 
