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...
25. Bird's eye view
Elevated View of Ashton taken from St. Walburge's Church looking north-west | Ashton-on-Ribble Community Web
26. A flying visit
Industry minister Norman Lamont, right, examines equipment during a visit to British Aerospace in 1983. The future Chancellor of the Exchequer was then a minister responsible for industry, with aerospace manufacturing a major source of skilled employment | Johnston Press
27. Oh yes they did!
Pantomime stars bring a little festive magic to Royal Preston Hospital on December 22, 1983. With Christmas just around the corner, the performers helped spread some seasonal cheer during a special hospital visit | Contributed
