From the eruption or Mt Helena in the US to the murder of John Lennon, it was an inauspicious start to a decade which was to be defined by Margaret Thatcher, yuppies, and the emergence of chunky mobile phones. Take a look at a few of the best pictures from Preston in that era...
Fancy another trip down memory lane? Check out these other retro picture collections…
1. Preston in 1980
Star Wars hero Luke Skywalker has got nothing on a Preston artist when it comes to being quick on the draw... For in the art of designing and modelling, 21-year-old Philip Harrison is in a galaxy of his own. And his latest effort - taken from the sci-fi film The Empire Strikes Back - is currently on exhibition at Preston's Odeon Cinema. It's a scale model of Yoda. Philip is pictured above holding the model, along with Miss Preston and a stormrooper Photo: RETRO
2. Preston in 1980
Prizewinners from the Preston and District Squash League who received their trophies at Salwick Squash Club. Dunlop donated £250 worth of prizes and the league was sponsored by New City Travel Photo: RETRO
3. Preston 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 Photo: RETRO
4. Preston in 1980
Whiles the witches prepare their broomsticks, these youngsters have got themselves ready for Halloween with a turnip lamp competition. The contest was organised by the owner of Hutton Village Stores, Preston, Parish Coun Alan Balier. And the winners were Catherine Gallagher, five; Michael Jones, seven; Jackie Walmsley, 12; Samantha Kilpatrick, 10; and Michael Gallagher, 10 Photo: RETRO