It was the year Margaret Thatcher's government grappled with recession and rising unemployment, steelworkers went on strike and the SAS stormed the Iranian Embassy. Britain celebrated Olympic gold for Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett, while the murder of John Lennon shocked the world.
But what was happening closer to home? This was Preston in 1980...
5. Disco fever
In 1980, dancing master Leroy Allen won the North West's top disco contest... on a split decision. Dancing in the first heat, watched by more than 500 people at Snooty's Disco, Preston, Leroy split his trousers. He gained a place in the last six, then went on to win the contest! Here he is surrounded by supporters | JPIMedia
6. Tucked away
Paley Road Mill, Preston. 1980. House and office building at rear of mill. The site is recognisable today | Beth Hayes (P.H.S.)
7. Swept away
The Waterloo Hotel, 24, Friargate, Preston c.1980. The old pub was demolished shortly afterward Photograph by Beth Hayes (PHS) | Preston Historical Society.
8. Floods
Avenham Park, Preston, flooding on October 27 1980, sent in by reader Ken Chapman | User (UGC)