Four words from the dictionary of D’s used to describe Wellington Street, one of the main gateways into Leeds city centre, at the dawn of a new decade. This was 1981, a year which felt like your Leeds suffering from a bout of urban stagnation and suburban torpor. These photos, a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, chart 12 months in the life of your city. READ MORE: 20 photos to take you back to Leeds in 1980 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
2. Leeds in 1981
The City of Leeds College of Music Symphony Orchestra were preparing to stage a concert at Leeds Town Hall in June 1981. Soloists pictured at rehearsals are, from left, Paul Gardham, Janice Close, Rosemary Hay, Neil Atkinson and Sarah Lyle. Photo: YPN
3. Leeds in 1981
Did you enjoy a meal here back in the day? The Stanhope Hotel at Horsforth pictured in November 1981. Photo: YPN
4. Leeds in 1981
Christopher Bennett was celebrating after being crowned Leeds School's U-12 chess champion in November 1981. Photo: YPN
5. Leeds in 1981
Park Square North pictured in October 1981. On the left are a row of buildings with the National Westminster Bank in the foreground. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds in 1981
TV presenter Richard Whiteley judging the Carnival Queen competition at the first Kirkstall Festival in 1981. Photo: Third Party