National Emergency Services Museum's insight into armed policing this weekend

The National Emergency Services Museum (NESM), based at West Bar in Sheffield, will be hosting its first ever Arms and Armour event this weekend (February 16-17).

Armoured response vehicles from South Yorkshire Police will be on show at the event, alongside other protective equipment such as helmets, bulletproof vests and riot shields. 

Visitors will be able to see items not usually on display to the public, including two historic police swords, and will be able to get hands-on with objects from the museum’s collection. They will also be able to take an exclusive sneak peek under the bonnet of an armoured Land Rover to see how vehicles are made bulletproof as well as learn how body wear, such as police vests, are made to withstand attack.

Special activities for younger visitors will include armour to try on alongside crafts to enjoy. 

The event coincides with World Pangolin Day. Pangolins have large, protective scales over their body, known as ‘nature's armour’. Visitors to the museum will find out how animals protect themselves and how this has influenced the development of man-made armour, as demonstrated by special guest Sammy the tortoise!

The event runs on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

The National Emergency Services Museum is the world’s largest 999 museum, showcasing emergency services through hands-on learning with history. With over 50 vehicles on site from manual and horse power to steam and motor plus three floors of exhibits to explore, including real Victorian police cells. 

For more information visit www.emergencymuseum.org.uk.