Bradford Council is inviting people to step back in time to celebrate the 50th birthday of Bradford Industrial Museum.
Bradford Industrial Museum based in what used to be Moorside Mills in Eccleshill was originally built around 1875 as a small, worsted spinning mill. The mill was bought and sold many times over the years as it grew and grew.
In 1974 Bradford Council created this unique museum, which became the first Local Authority-run Industrial Museum in the country.
The museum has grown and now represents the unique heritage of the Bradford district and contains permanent displays of textile machinery, steam power, engineering innovations and motor vehicles as well as hosting temporary exhibitions.
To help celebrate the occasion the council’s Museums and Galleries team have organised a weekend full of things to see and do. The event is free and takes place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September from 11am until 4pm.
As well as all the usual displays and exhibitions, there will be a DJ playing music from the era, vintage stalls, food & coffee vans, family activities as well as 1970s Bollywood-style dancing.
People will also be able to see a 1970s house which was recently given a makeover. The new look reflects the home of a family who came to Bradford from Pakistan in the 1960s, a time when local textile mills needed workers and encouraged individuals from South Asian countries to fill these roles. The display offers a glimpse into the homelife of a British Pakistani family in the 1970s and touches on various aspects of life during that time.
“We’re rightly proud of our Industrial Museum which celebrates the rich heritage of our district,” said Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Health People and Places. “Please come along, get dressed up 70s style, and help us celebrate the museum’s 50th birthday.”
This event also part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme which is England’s largest free community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life.
For more information about this event and the other Bradford District Museums and Galleries visit https://bradfordmuseums.org/.
