The opening of upmarket fashion store Harvey Nichols on Briggate - complete with a top hat donning doorman - boosted the city's reputation as the number one destination for those keen to enjoy a dose of retail therapy. This was 1996, a year which also featured a number of celebrity visits to Leeds ranging from TV personalities through to sporting legends. Enjoy these photos charting 12 months in the life of your Leeds. READ MORE: How Harvey Nichols helped Leeds become the 'Knightsbridge of the North' LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Leeds city centre
TV's Gladiator Warrior opened the Old Orleans restaurant on Boar Lane. He is pictured lifting waitress Lyndsay Hamilton of her feet. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
2. Chapeltown
A new outdoor chess park opened in Chapletown. Pictured are Grand Masters in the making Ella Farrar Durrant and Jayde Carlton. | Bruce Greer Photo: Bruce Greer
3. Leeds Classic
Chris Boardman leads the peloton on the climb over Oxenhope Moor to Hebden Bridge during the early stages of the Leeds Classic in August 1996. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson
4. Leeds city centre
Crowds gathered outside the new Harvey Nichols store on Briggate for the long awaited official opening in October 1996. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
5. Leeds city centre
Ghostly goings on in Hirst's Yard. The haunting image of Woodbine Lizzy, alias Michael Facer, one of the guides for the Leeds Ghosts Guided walk in October 1996. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson
6. Leeds city centre
Cricket legend Fred Trueman was at W.H. Smith in Leeds city centre to launch Owzat! in November 1996. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox