Christmas in Leeds: How a city celebrated during the 1980s

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 20th Dec 2022, 04:45 BST

Updated 20th Dec 2022, 13:09 BST

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These photos take you on a magical sleigh ride to showcase how Leeds celebrated Christmas in the 1980s.

They provide a fascinating insight into life for a city and its residents over the festive period. Fundraising and charity are at the heart of these images during a decade when people came together to help and support each other. They are a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these photo memories of Christmas in Leeds during the 1980s. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

1. Christmas in Leeds

Enjoy these photo memories of Christmas in Leeds during the 1980s. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Carol singing at Leeds City Station in December 1982 for Leeds Council for Voluntary Services Christmas Appeal.

2. Christmas in Leeds

Carol singing at Leeds City Station in December 1982 for Leeds Council for Voluntary Services Christmas Appeal. Photo: YPN

Festive generosity was guaranteed to bring centre buskers out in force to fill the bustling streets with music ranging from rock to the classics in December 1985. Your YEP reported that over the festive period street artists could earn around £5 an hour as testimony to the public's appreciation of the warm atmosphere they create. Pictured are Andrew Wilson (keyboards) and David Smith (sax) striking up with a selection of Christmas carols on Commercial Street "We both play in the Leeds Youth Concert Band, but our practice session at the College of Music was called off because of the water crisis - so we decided to come down here," said Andrew.

A regular Leeds busker, Richard Muttonchops, 43, of Oakwood, Leeds, who combines his weekend playing with youth work and running his own business.

He was raising money for the BBC Children in Need appeal with the aid of his faithful banjo.

"I usually busk with the banjo," he said. "I toook a sax out in Keighley a week ago and played some carols - but I think that was more for my personal pleasure than that of the passers-by."

In harmony: David Smith on sax with Andrew Wilson on keyboards.

3. Christmas in Leeds

Festive generosity was guaranteed to bring centre buskers out in force to fill the bustling streets with music ranging from rock to the classics in December 1985. Your YEP reported that over the festive period street artists could earn around £5 an hour as testimony to the public's appreciation of the warm atmosphere they create. Pictured are Andrew Wilson (keyboards) and David Smith (sax) striking up with a selection of Christmas carols on Commercial Street "We both play in the Leeds Youth Concert Band, but our practice session at the College of Music was called off because of the water crisis - so we decided to come down here," said Andrew. A regular Leeds busker, Richard Muttonchops, 43, of Oakwood, Leeds, who combines his weekend playing with youth work and running his own business. He was raising money for the BBC Children in Need appeal with the aid of his faithful banjo. "I usually busk with the banjo," he said. "I toook a sax out in Keighley a week ago and played some carols - but I think that was more for my personal pleasure than that of the passers-by." In harmony: David Smith on sax with Andrew Wilson on keyboards. Photo: Peter Thacker

A photo taken at Wykebeck Community Centre in December 1984 during one of two 'Family Allowance' Toy Fairs. The other was held on the same day at the Henry Barran Centre. Local residents in possession of a Family Allowance book were able to buy new and quality second-hand toys as Christmas presents for their children. These were offered at a much cheaper price than in the shops, sometimes between only 10p and 25p. Many toys were donated to the committees and toy wholesalers gave substantial discounts. The Christmas Toy Bonanza was held annually.

4. Christmas in Leeds

A photo taken at Wykebeck Community Centre in December 1984 during one of two 'Family Allowance' Toy Fairs. The other was held on the same day at the Henry Barran Centre. Local residents in possession of a Family Allowance book were able to buy new and quality second-hand toys as Christmas presents for their children. These were offered at a much cheaper price than in the shops, sometimes between only 10p and 25p. Many toys were donated to the committees and toy wholesalers gave substantial discounts. The Christmas Toy Bonanza was held annually. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Christmas shoppers walk down Commercial Street in 1983. Shops seen include Crockatt Cleaning, Tie Rack and Dyson Furriers.

5. Christmas in Leeds

Christmas shoppers walk down Commercial Street in 1983. Shops seen include Crockatt Cleaning, Tie Rack and Dyson Furriers. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

A photo taken outside Wykebeck School where people are queuing for the annual Wykebeck 'Family Allowance Toy Fair' held in December 1982. It was an opportunity to buy Christmas toys at reasonable prices thanks to donations by local firms and business fairs including 'Toy City'. The toys were a joint initiative between Social Services, the Probation Service and the Tenants' Association.

6. Christmas in Leeds

A photo taken outside Wykebeck School where people are queuing for the annual Wykebeck 'Family Allowance Toy Fair' held in December 1982. It was an opportunity to buy Christmas toys at reasonable prices thanks to donations by local firms and business fairs including 'Toy City'. The toys were a joint initiative between Social Services, the Probation Service and the Tenants' Association. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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