New Temporary Exhibition: The Bradford City Police Band

July 2025

We are delighted to announce the opening of our new temporary exhibition, exploring the legacy of the Bradford City Police Band, now on display in the main gallery!

At the heart of the exhibition is a beautifully preserved conductor’s baton, presented in 1902 to conductor A. H. Chapman, a symbolic object that showcases the Bradford City Police’s civic and musical history.

Elegant in its simplicity, the baton is both a working and ceremonial tool. Presented at a time when brass and military-style bands were an integral part of public life, it reflects the dual role police bands played in Edwardian Britain, as law enforcement and performers in parades, concerts, and civic ceremonies.

Alongside the baton, visitors will find a carefully curated selection of artefacts that bring this story to life: 

• Several archival photographs of the band from the 20th century.

• A vinyl recording of the Bradford Police Band’s last known performance.

• Enamel miniatures of the West Yorkshire Police Band, delicately detailed and uniformed, offering a charming snapshot of contemporary band tradition continuing to this day. 

We hope you’ll stop by and check out our new exhibit to learn more about the Bradford City Police Band!

The exhibition will be running from July 2025 to November 2025. With our curatorial team delving into further research, we hope to feature The Bradford City Police Band as part of our Online Exhibition Programme in the future.