The 1980s was a turbulent time in the history of the UK, from miners’ strikes to The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
But it’s fair to say that the decade is also remembered for positive reasons, too.
For many, the ‘80s was a time of brilliant music, classic television shows and simpler living.
When you consider that the start of the 1980s was 45 years ago, it’s easy to see why many towns and cities look completely different now compared to how they did back then. Join us in our time machine as we leave 2025 and head back to Birmingham in the 1980s.
1. On the playground, 1982
Musical Youth at their school, Duddeston Manor School, Birmingham, UK, 1982. Clockwise, from front left: guitarist Kelvin Grant, drummer Freddie 'Junior' Waite, singer Dennis Seaton, bassist Patrick Waite (1968 - 1993) and keyboard player Michael Grant. | Getty Images
2. BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 18: Aston Villa striker Peter Withe is challenged by David Needham (l) of Nottingham Forest during a Division One game between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, on April 18, 1981 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
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3. Musical Youth at Duddeston Manor School
British reggae group Musical Youth on a basketball court at their school, Duddeston Manor School, Birmingham, UK, 1982. Left to right: bassist Patrick Waite (1968 - 1993), drummer Freddie 'Junior' Waite, guitarist Kelvin Grant, singer Dennis Seaton (back) and keyboard player Michael Grant. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
4. Birmingham Airport, 1983
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