Southsea in Portsmouth was recently named by the Sunday Times on its list of the UK’s best coastal towns in which to reside.
In honour of that accolade, we’ve put together this retro gallery featuring some of the best photos taken in Southsea through the years.
This trip down memory lane includes stops at Southsea funfair on Clarence Pier, the old Debenhams store, and several much-loved pubs.
These timeless images show what a blast it is to live in Southsea, from riding rollercoasters to roasting potatoes on a bonfire, and of course, splashing about in the sea.
Huge crowds are seen turning out for a Radio 1 roadshow, youngsters are pictured at schools around the area, and Southsea’s community spirit shines through in photos of fun runs and other charity events.
The more bizarre photos within the gallery include a daring animal rescue, a motorcycling snowman causing minor mayhem, and a bouncy castle marriage proposal.
Do you see anyone you recognise in these pictures, and can you spot the very famous face enjoying a proud moment?
If you enjoyed these photos, you might like this look back at some of the best pictures from the 70s.
17. Braving the cold
Charity dippers from Ocean Sound take part in a Christmas Day splash. More than 50 listeners joined disc jockey Pete Wardman for the Power FM swim at Southsea seafront. | The News Portsmouth
18. Hairspray!
Creating a unique hairstyle in an annual battle of the blow-dryers at South Parade Pier, Southsea, is hairdresser Rachel Horner, 17, with her model, Lisa Strong, 17, both of Fareham | The News Portsmouth
19. Monkey
A smile and a few words of encouragement from Davy Jones, of The Monkees fame, for his three-year-old daughter Jessica, as she prepares to make her stage debut with the Rainbow Dancing School, Southsea | The News Portsmouth
20. Snow-go
Flatmates of Lincoln Heard, from Shaftesbury Road, Southsea, made the most of the cold weather by sculpting this snowman motorcylist. Their snow-white speedster refused to get off his 250cc machine as he was frozen to the saddle, leaving Mr Heard to cold-foot it to work. | The News Portsmouth