29 wonderful photos taking you right back to Portsmouth 1980

By Steve Deeks

Published 15th May 2020, 17:06 BST

Updated 10th Jul 2024, 11:07 BST

It was the year the Rubik’s Cube was sold worldwide for the first time, The Empire Strikes Back arrived in cinemas, and Pac-Man was first introduced to fans.

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

Looking up Arundel Street from Commercial Road Precinct, 1980. The News PP5426

1. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

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

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

2. 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

Bikers riding around Portsmouth in April 1980. The News PP3767

3. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

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

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philips visit on 11th July 1980. The News 2248-14

4. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philips visit on 11th July 1980. The News 2248-14 Photo: The News archive

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.