Step back in time: to 1980
Take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic look back at 1980. Life in 1980 was the same in many ways but also very different; the country was in the grips of a recession while technological innovations were rapidly improving the way we worked and lived.
The 80s would prove to be a decade of transformative change and many of the things that happened in this time period still influence the way we live 42 years later.
So grab a cuppa and step back in time with us to 1980…
Pop Culture
Popular Culture offers a glimpse into the lives of people and the big and little things that made up the everyday. Here’s a snapshot of life and pop culture in 1980.
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- The price of things: In 1980 a loaf of bread cost just 33p. A pint of lager in a local pub was 35p, while a pint of milk would set you back 17p. Petrol was selling for 28p a gallon and the average wage was £6000.
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- At the cinema: The Shining, The Elephant Man, Flash Gordon and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back were all released in cinemas.
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- 16 January – Paul McCartney is arrested in Tokyo for drug possession. The remaining leg of McCartney’s and Wings’ tour was cancelled. He would spend nine days in jail.
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- 30 June – The pre-decimal sixpence is withdrawn from circulation.
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- 8 December – John Lennon is assassinated outside his New York apartment. Thousands attend a 10-minute vigil in Liverpool for the singer on 14 December.
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- New musical trends begin to emerge as punk and new wave bands begin dominating the radio. Inspired by the likes of David Bowie, musicians began to experiment with new technologies like synthesisers and computers.
World Events
1980 wasn’t just an important year in Britain. Here’s a look at some of the most significant events that took place in 1980 around the globe.
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- 2 January – Workers at British Steel go on a nationwide strike over pay, a dispute that continues until April. In February, Margaret Thatcher announces that state benefit to strikers will be halved.
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- Unemployment reaches a two-year high in the midst of a recession. By August, more than 2 million are unemployed.
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- 10 October – The Conservative party conference takes place where Margaret Thatcher makes her famous “The lady’s not for turning” speech. Her economic policies are heavily criticised by MPs, union leaders and former prime minister Harold Macmillan.
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- 17 October – The Queen makes history with a state visit to the Vatican – she is the first British monarch ever to do so.
Sporting Moments
From big upsets to big wins, here are some of the most significant moments to take place in sport in 1980.
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- The Winter Olympics take place in Lake Placid, New York. Robin Cousins wins gold for figure skating, Great Britain’s only gold medal.
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- The Summer Olympics take place in Moscow amidst controversy. Great Britain wins 5 gold medals and places fifth overall in the medal count.
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- 3 May – Liverpool win the First Division title, marking the 12th time the club has done so.
Famous Births
Some big personalities came into the world in 1980. Here’s a few of the famous faces born this year.
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- 30 May – Steven Gerrard
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- 17 June – Venus Williams
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- 29 June – Katherine Jenkins
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- 21 October – Kim Kardashian
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- 7 December – John Terry
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- 20 December – Ashley Cole
Music
Nothing takes us back like music; these were some of the best-selling artists and most popular songs on the radio in 1980.
Best selling single of the year: The Police – Don’t Stand So Close To Me
Christmas number 1: St Winifred’s School Choir – There’s No One Quite Like Grandma
Other popular songs
ABBA – Super Trouper
Blondie – The Tide is High
The Jam – Going Underground
How old were you in 1980? Does our timeline bring back any memories?
cover image by Flicker user Kevin T. Houle
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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