Preston Bus Station in the early 1980s, when passengers were warned they could face a £5 fine for entering or leaving the station without using the subway. Double-decker buses line up in the backgroundplaceholder image
Preston Bus Station in the early 1980s, when passengers were warned they could face a £5 fine for entering or leaving the station without using the subway. Double-decker buses line up in the background | Contributed

Preston in 1982: a year of war, unemployment and ET in 23 nostalgic 1980s photos

By James Reader
Published 2nd Nov 2026, 19:00 GMT

It was the year Britain went to war in the Falklands, unemployment passed three million and Margaret Thatcher's government faced the challenges of a deep recession. Channel 4 arrived on television screens, Prince William was born and E.T. became a cinema sensation. But what was life like in Preston during this turbulent year?

But what was happening closer to home? This was Preston in 1982, when Red Rose Radio first went on air and the town staged its inaugural shopping festival. At Clouds nightclub, bands battled for glory in the LEP Rock and Pop Challenge, while Preston North End players visited young hospital patients. From the Flag Market to the docks, our archive pictures capture a town in transition.

Broadcaster Russell Harty with Preston Mayor Joe Pownall and Mayoress Vera Pownall at the launch of Red Rose Radio on October 5, 1982. The new station broadcast from studios in St Paul's Square

5. Radio revolution

Broadcaster Russell Harty with Preston Mayor Joe Pownall and Mayoress Vera Pownall at the launch of Red Rose Radio on October 5, 1982. The new station broadcast from studios in St Paul's Square | National World

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The Longridge Majorettes entertain hundreds of spectators in brilliant sunshine on Preston's Flag Market during the grand finale of the town's first shopping festival

6. Majorette magic

The Longridge Majorettes entertain hundreds of spectators in brilliant sunshine on Preston's Flag Market during the grand finale of the town's first shopping festival | National World

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All Saints School on Elizabeth Street, Preston, pictured in 1982, with the town centre skyline visible in the background. The church is still going strong but the school building has sadly been demolished

7. School days

All Saints School on Elizabeth Street, Preston, pictured in 1982, with the town centre skyline visible in the background. The church is still going strong but the school building has sadly been demolished | Contributed

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The Mobil petrol station on Garstang Road, Preston, which was the scene of a robbery in March 1982

8. Highway robbery

The Mobil petrol station on Garstang Road, Preston, which was the scene of a robbery in March 1982 | Contributed

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