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
An exhibition celebrating 70 years of Eurovision is heading to Bradford later this month
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.
Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland
Danny Jones
In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Georgina Pellant -
2nd June 2021 
