Sheffield museum launches new events programme

The National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield has announced its 2020 events calendar, which includes a number of activities being hosted by the museum for the very first time.

The programme gives visitors young and old the chance to experience, through interactive displays, re-enactments, storytelling and hands-on activities, the sights, sounds and even smells of the past and the role of the emergency services both then and now.

Holly Roberts, museum curator, said: “We’re really excited by our events programme for this year and especially the new events we’re launching. Our aim is to offer something for all the family and provide an entertaining, engaging and dynamic way to learn about the past.”

February’s Arms and Armour event focuses on the history and development of armed policing and the wider world of protective armour.

Visitors can see armoured vehicles up close and learn about their technology, purpose and history. Medieval men at arms will introduce historic arms and armour and a menagerie of curious creatures will demonstrate the importance of armour in nature.

Easter weekend will introduce visitors to the everyday superheroes of the emergency services, from the coastguard and air ambulance to lifesaving animals.

Over summer, NESM’s Mega Machines event will allow visitors to get up close and personal with the amazing vehicles used by the emergency services including many not usually on public display.

Later in the year, two new events for 2020 bring Sheffield’s dark past to light.

The Mobs and Murder weekend in September reveals the hidden history of the city’s gang wars, exploring the original police cells that once housed infamous gang members, through costumed storytelling, re-enactment displays and 1920s entertainment.

November sees the launch of Villainous Victorians, a look at life, crime and punishment in the 19th century. A steampunk weekend, quiz night and ghost walks are scheduled.