41 amazing retro pictures of Preston in 1996, including David Moyes, North End, the Euros, and schools

It was quite the year.

By Jack Marshall

Published 26th Aug 2023, 08:00 GMT

Updated 21st Dec 2023, 09:05 GMT

Famous for the tragedy that was the Dunblane Massacre and the dramatic divorces of the Duke and Duchess of York (Andrew and Sarah) and of the Prince and Princess of Wales (Charles and Diana), 1996 was also a time of advancement in the shape of the birth of Dolly the sheep and of (albeit brief) joy surrounding the England national football team, who made it to the semi-finals of that year’s Euros. Here are some of our best archive pictures from that heady era...

Also, be sure not to miss some of our other retro articles…

Cheers! 53 incredible retro pictures of Preston's historic and beloved pubs from down the years

29 historic retro pictures of life in Preston back in 1971, from hospitals and politicians to North End and schools

27 historic retro pictures of life in Preston and Lancashire in 1999, including schools and Preston North End

They were dancing in Church Street, Preston during Euro '96.

1. Preston in 1996

They were dancing in Church Street, Preston during Euro '96. Photo: RETRO

It's hot, sweaty and downright uncomfortable - unless you're a dance fan. You can forget Manchester's Hacienda or London's Ministry of Sound - those who know where it's really at head for Feel at the Unversity in Central Lancashire in Preston. It's been hailed as one of the best dance nights in Britain and attracts hundreds of hedonists from all over the country twice a month. Pictured above are some of the crowd

2. Preston in 1996

It's hot, sweaty and downright uncomfortable - unless you're a dance fan. You can forget Manchester's Hacienda or London's Ministry of Sound - those who know where it's really at head for Feel at the Unversity in Central Lancashire in Preston. It's been hailed as one of the best dance nights in Britain and attracts hundreds of hedonists from all over the country twice a month. Pictured above are some of the crowd Photo: RETRO

When the chips are down these youngsters know what's cooking. Preston scouts have named their top of the shops after running their own competition to find the finest local fryer. The children from the third Lea St Peter and Pauls troop surveyed a series of local fish and chip shops. After dishing up top marks for taste and value for the money, the champion chippie title was handed to the Happy Haddock on Plungington Road. Pictured: Some of the boys sample the chips while their scout leader hands over the award to Peter Mullin

3. Preston in 1996

When the chips are down these youngsters know what's cooking. Preston scouts have named their top of the shops after running their own competition to find the finest local fryer. The children from the third Lea St Peter and Pauls troop surveyed a series of local fish and chip shops. After dishing up top marks for taste and value for the money, the champion chippie title was handed to the Happy Haddock on Plungington Road. Pictured: Some of the boys sample the chips while their scout leader hands over the award to Peter Mullin Photo: RETRO

It's hot, sweaty and downright uncomfortable - unless you're a dance fan. You can forget Manchester's Hacienda or London's Ministry of Sound - those who know where it's really at head for Feel at the Unversity in Central Lancashire in Preston. It's been hailed as one of the best dance nights in Britain and attracts hundreds of hedonists from all over the country twice a month. Pictured above are some of the crowd

4. Preston in 1996

It's hot, sweaty and downright uncomfortable - unless you're a dance fan. You can forget Manchester's Hacienda or London's Ministry of Sound - those who know where it's really at head for Feel at the Unversity in Central Lancashire in Preston. It's been hailed as one of the best dance nights in Britain and attracts hundreds of hedonists from all over the country twice a month. Pictured above are some of the crowd Photo: RETRO

Preston David Moyes Prince England