Centenary Square, Bradford, BD1 1HY
Open every Saturday from 10am to 3:30pm
This December, we're opening the doors of The Bradford Police Museum for something a little different…
Join us from Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th December 2026 for the very first Bradford Christmas Crime Festival, a four-day celebration of crime, policing, history, mystery and storytelling, set within the walls of Bradford's very own Victorian Police Station.
From scandalous Victorian court cases and fascinating tales of Bradford's policing past to ghostly encounters, live courtroom performances and festive family fun, we've put together a varied programme of events that brings history to life in unexpected ways..
Explore the programme below, uncover the stories and join us for a Christmas festival with a difference!
Please note that some events have limited capacities and require advance booking.
How Bradford Got Its Police Force
An Illustrative Talk by Author Gaynor Halliday
How did Bradford get its police force? Join historian and author Gaynor Halliday as she explores the origins of the Borough Police Force through the remarkable story of its longest-serving constable - her own great-great-grandfather. Discover the trials, tribulations and untold stories of Bradford's early police officers in this fascinating opening event of the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival.
Thursday 3rd December
18:00 - 20:00
Tickets: £10.00
Limited tickets, booking is advised
The Legendary Ghost Tour
Presented by The Museum Players
Dare you spend an evening in one of Bradford's most haunted buildings? Join The Museum Players for a chilling lantern-lit journey through the historic Victorian courtroom and police cells, uncovering the legend of Chains Charlie and the unexplained stories that continue to haunt Bradford City Hall.
Friday 4th December
18:30 - 20:30
Tickets: £20.00
Limited tickets, booking is advised
Behind the Cells: A Guided Tour of Bradford's Policing Past
Hosted by our Museum Tour Guides
Step inside Bradford's criminal past! Explore the original Victorian police cells and historic courtroom with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides, uncovering fascinating stories of crime, policing and justice. A special opportunity to discover the real history behind the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival.
Saturday 5th December
10:30, 11:15, 12:00 & 12:45
Tickets: £7.00 (Concessions apply)
Limited tickets, booking is advised
Bigamy In Bradford
An Historical Talk by Tee Bylo and The Museum Players
Two husbands, one wife and a scandalous Victorian court case! Join Tee Bylo, AKA The Dead Sleuth, as she brings a remarkable true story from 1867 Bradford to life in our historic courtroom, as part of the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival.
Saturday 5th December
14:00 - 16:00
Tickets: £15.00
Limited tickets, booking is advised
Local Makers Christmas Fair
at The Bradford Police Museum
We’re opening up our museum to host a Local Makers Christmas Fair within our gallery space, inviting visitors to browse and shop from a festive line-up of independent creatives. This special event celebrates local talent and offers a warm, welcoming opportunity to discover unique gifts as part of the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival 2026.
Sunday 6th December
11:00 to 16:00
FREE ENTRY
Pepper's Pickle
An Immersive Courtroom Drama For Children, Written by Ann Morgan and Performed by The Museum Players
A Christmas crime has been committed… or has it? Join us for Pepper’s Pickle, a festive courtroom adventure where children become the jury, hear the evidence and decide whether Pepper Minstix is guilty or not guilty. Expect laughter, surprises and a little Christmas magic!
Sunday 6th December
11:30 & 14:00
Tickets: £8.00
Limited tickets, booking is advised