Christmas Crime Festival: Pepper's Pickle - An Immersive Courtroom Experience For Children

Pepper’s Pickle - A Christmas courtroom adventure where YOU decide the verdict!

Oh dear! It looks like someone is in a rather festive pickle…

It's Christmas Eve in Bradford, and something very suspicious has happened. A mysterious figure has been discovered beside a family's Christmas tree, covered in soot and surrounded by presents. Before anyone can say "Merry Christmas!", Pepper Minstix has been arrested and accused of attempted burglary!

But is Pepper really a Christmas criminal, or could there be a perfectly innocent explanation?

Join us in the historic courtroom at Bradford City Hall for Pepper’s Pickle, a fun-filled, interactive Christmas courtroom performance for children and families.

With a rather dramatic witness, a determined prosecutor, a confused defence lawyer and a judge who expects nothing but the truth, this festive trial promises plenty of laughter, surprises and a little Christmas magic.

And here's where our young visitors come in…

Children will take their places as members of the jury, listen carefully to the evidence and decide whether Pepper is guilty or not guilty.

Will justice be served? Is everything quite as it seems? And what does Father Christmas have to do with it all?

There's only one way to find out!

Part of the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival 2026

Taking place from 3^rd to 6^th December, the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival is a four-day celebration of crime, history, mystery and storytelling, presented by The Bradford Police Museum.

Featuring historical talks, ghost tours, theatrical performances and festive family activities, the festival brings the museum's remarkable historic spaces to life.

Pepper’s Pickle offers our youngest visitors the chance to experience the excitement of a courtroom trial in a playful, interactive and distinctly Christmassy way.

About the performance

Written by Ann Morgan and brought to life by The Museum Players, the museum's volunteer performance group, Pepper’s Pickle combines courtroom drama, comedy and festive storytelling in a special family experience.

Event details

Date: Sunday 6 December 2026

Performance times: 11:30 to 12:00 & 14:00 to 14:30

Venue: Historic Courtroom, Bradford City Hall

Tickets: £8 per participating child, including accompanying adults

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Spaces are limited, and advance booking is recommended.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Accessibility & Important Visitor Information

This event takes place in the historic courtroom at Bradford City Hall, a Grade I-listed building that forms part of The Bradford Police Museum.

Accessibility

Please be aware that access to the courtroom involves climbing a flight of steep steps without a handrail. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building and its current access arrangements, the courtroom is not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with restricted mobility who are unable to manage these steps.

As the courtroom is situated within a historic building, it can also become quite cold and draughty during the winter months. We therefore recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothing during your visit.

Arrival & Facilities

We kindly ask all visitors to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the performance to allow sufficient time for admission and seating before the event begins at 6pm.

Please note that there are no public toilet facilities available within The Bradford Police Museum. We recommend making use of nearby facilities before arriving.

Make the Most of Your Festival Experience!

As a thank you for joining us at the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival, we're offering ticket holders 50% off a guided tour of The Bradford Police Museum on Saturday 5th December 2026.

Discover more of Bradford's fascinating criminal past as one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides takes you through the original Victorian police cells and historic courtroom.

A promotional discount code will be provided with your booking confirmation, allowing you to book your guided tour at half the usual ticket price.

Guided tours must be booked separately and are subject to availability. The discount does not automatically reserve a place.

Questions or Additional Requirements?

We want all our visitors to feel informed and welcome. If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to discuss your individual requirements before booking, please contact The Bradford Police Museum, and we will be happy to provide further information.