It was the year Margaret Thatcher swept back to power and Michael Jackson moonwalked into pop history, the pound coin made its debut as did Superman III. But what was happening closer to home? From royal visits and spaghetti-eating contests to forgotten landmarks and familiar faces, our archive photographs turn the clock back to Preston in 1983
But what was happening closer to home? This was Preston in 1981...
21. Before the curtain fell
Preston Public Hall pictured in 1983, a reminder of one of the town's great entertainment venues. The former Corn Exchange had hosted generations of performers, including The Beatles, before closing in 1972. Much of the building was demolished in 1986 | Other 3rd Party
22. Skip to the shops
Something has caught the attention of curious shoppers on Fishergate in 1983 – and it isn't a shop window! A wonderfully quirky street scene as passers-by stop to peer inside a skip
23. Into the woods
Youngsters enjoy an adventure through Red Scar Wood in Preston in 1983. A lovely reminder of childhood days when exploring the local woods could provide hours of entertainment | Contributed
24. From the gods
Elevated View of Ashton, Preston. 1983 taken from St. Walburge's Church looking west | Ashton-on-Ribble Community Web