Famous for the tragedy that was the Dunblane Massacre and the dramatic divorces of the Duke and Duchess of York (Andrew and Sarah) and of the Prince and Princess of Wales (Charles and Diana), 1996 was also a time of advancement in the shape of the birth of Dolly the sheep and of (albeit brief) joy surrounding the England national football team, who made it to the semi-finals of that year’s Euros.
Here are some of our best archive pictures from that heady era...
5. Preston in 1996
Sports-mad youngsters who took part in the After School Sports Club at West View Leisure Centre, Preston, seen with leisure centre assistant Dominic Robinson and volunteer Juliet Gravell Photo: RETRO
6. Preston in 1996
Utopia Theatre Company, a theatrical youth group based at Preston Playhouse, present Willy Russell's Our Day Out at the theatre Photo: RETRO
7. Preston in 1996
High-flying Preston youngsters have been kicking their way to success in their first full martial arts competition. Students from the Shotokan Karate School picked up three awards after chopping their way through the opposition at the Greater Manchester Open Championships. They finished a creditable third in two catergories with nine-year-old Richard Bird winning a technical ability award. The karate classes are held at the Grange County Primary School, Preston, under the tuition of black belt Albert Timothy Photo: RETRO
8. Preston in 1996
Young fit and healthy youngsters took advantage of the Easter break to keep in trim with a full programme of leisure activities at Fulwood Leisure Centre in Preston. Pictured above are Jason Donnelly, eight, front, and Ani Gleeson, nine Photo: RETRO