The photos from our archives show street scenes, shops, people and magical moments in the run up Christmas through the years. They’ll have you reminiscing and remind you how it all was in years gone by.

7. Retro Christmas
Bustling shops in the last few days before Christmas, 1996 Photo: Dave Nelson


9. Retro Christmas
A crowded shopping street in Blackpool, 1996. Some of those names have disappeared from the high street - Tie Rack, Allsports... Photo: Dawn Castle

10. Retro Christmas
Pupils from Anchorsholme C.P. School gave a carol concert at Hounds Hill shopping centre with all donations towards the Gazette and Radio Wave United For Christmas Appeal in 1996 Photo: Rob Lock

11. Retro Christmas
Christmas Lights on Victoria Street and people making the most of late night shopping in 1997 Photo: Rob Lock

2 / 5

