The Queen made a royal visit to the city, and the A3(M) had just opened for the first time after construction finished.
See what it was like to live in Portsmouth in 1980 and what happened in that year.
All of these photos are from The News’ archives – what are your memories of Portsmouth in 1980?
MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Commercial Road | How Buckland took shape | Eastney Barracks

1. Life in Portsmouth in 1980
Buses waiting at The Hard, Portsmouth in May 1980. One of the buses shows an old advertisement for The News. The News PP3492 Photo: The News archive

2. Life in Portsmouth in 1980
Looking up Arundel Street from Commercial Road Precinct, 1980. The News PP5426 Photo: The News archive

3. Life in Portsmouth in 1980
Lawnmower drivers race against each other during the Portsmouth Lawnmower Grand Prix, held at St James Hospital, Milton on July 27 1980. The News PP3706 Photo: The news archive

4. Life in Portsmouth in 1980
Bikers riding around Portsmouth in April 1980. The News PP3767 Photo: The News archive