Famous for the landslide Labour win in the general election under Tony Blair, the transfer of Hong Kong, the largest remaining British colony, to China; and the death of Princess Diana, eventful barely covers it. Take a look at a few of our best archive pictures from 1997 in Preston.
Fancy more retro? Check out these other pieces…
Fancy more retro? Check out these other pieces…
17. Preston in 1997
Preston's new style music festival started off on a high note. Hundreds of balloons were released on the town's Flag Market to mark the opening of PrestFest. At the launch three local bands - TCR, Tripitaka and Blue - and singer-songwriter Dave Gardener performed. That follwed the opening speech by Frank Sanderson, vice-chairman of the festival organisers Propeller Promotions. Local musicians who have been a part of Preston's music scene for the past 40 years were invited to attend Photo: RETRO
18. Preston in 1997
Children are setting up a bumper sale of signed football shirts and other goods in their bid to raise more than £1,000 for Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley. They have approached their favourite football teams, including Preston North End, Blackpool and Liverpool, to sign shirts and footballs to be auctioned at Priory High School in Penwortham, near Preston Photo: RETRO
19. Preston in 1997
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