Not only was it the year that the Labour Party under Tony Blair won a landslide election victory, ending 18 years of Conservative power, but it was also the year Princess Diana tragically died, while the 1996/97 season was Preston North End’s first back in the Second Division after three seasons in the third tier. Here are a few retro photos of life in Preston from that historic year...
17. Preston 1997 retro
Evacuated PNE fans from the Town End stand during the first half of the match against Wrexham was disrupted by a small fire. - fans on the pitch - preston north end fire - March 1997 Photo: JOHN HUGHES
18. Preston 1997 retro
Community groups from one Preston area joined together to raise awareness about the links between poor health and environment. The Green and Healthy Avenham Day was a joint initiative between the Guild Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Lancashire County Council, Preston Council and the Avenham Ward Community Forum. Pictured: Farhana Munshi, 10, Humera Hassenjee, 10, and Nafisa Motara, 10, from Frenchwood CP School ready to paint their banner during the event Photo: RETRO
19. Preston 1997 retro
Shadow defence secretary David Clark stepped up the war of words over Lancashire's defence industry on a visit to the county. On a trip to British Aerospace's Warton plant, near Preston, Mr Clark revealed he has written to the German government to seek reassurances over the future of the Eurofighter Photo: RETRO
20. Preston 1997 retro
Lancashire youngsters have been putting their best feet forward to produce a spectacular toe-tapping dance show. More than 100 showstoppers aged between three and 50 from the Magaret Bagshaw School of Dance have been rehearsing since September for the Let's Dance show, to be presented at Preston's Guild Hall Photo: RETRO