Visitors are invited to step back into the 1950s at Bradford’s National Media Museum during a range of events, from taking on the role of a post-war TV presenter to making mini episodes of a classic animation.

This May half-term, the museum is celebrating popular children’s shows from the 1950s to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain, an event that marked a new era for the country in May 1951.

Visitors can join in with 1950s-themed family activities, which include daily screenings of classic children’s show Crackerjack in the Experience TV gallery and an interactive live show with opportunities to win a Cracker-jack prize.

Families will also have chance to learn how to be a children’s TV presenter and make a short film of themselves during daily drop-in sessions. Inspired by Captain Pugwash, an animated children’s TV show that started in the 1950s, there will be a chance to make 50s-style mini episodes using one of the museum’s animation stations.

Beginning in the 1950s with Picture Book, the Jackanory series opened up traditional storytelling to the nation. Families with younger children can listen to timeless children’s programmes during traditional Jackanory-style storytelling sessions in the Kodak Gallery. In addition to 1950s activities, there will be Lego animation workshops for youngsters.

  • Read the full story in Wednesday's T&A