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
5. Life in Portsmouth in 1980
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philips visit on 11th July 1980. The News 2248-14 Photo: The News archive
6. Life in Portsmouth in 1980
The entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyards on March 12 1980. The News PP3496 Photo: The News archive
7. Life in Portsmouth in 1980
The site of The Ship and Castle Pub at The Hard, after it was demolished, February 28 1980. The News PP3499 Photo: The News archive
8. Life in Portsmouth in 1980
All Saints Church standing tall in September 1980. The News PP4422 Photo: The News archive