To the surprise of visitors to the YEP Beer Festival at Pudsey Civic Centre, CAMRA member Gary Whiting served with half his beard shaved off. It was for a good cause as Gary was raising money for Hollybank Special School in Mirfield.placeholder image
To the surprise of visitors to the YEP Beer Festival at Pudsey Civic Centre, CAMRA member Gary Whiting served with half his beard shaved off. It was for a good cause as Gary was raising money for Hollybank Special School in Mirfield. | Mel Hulme

Leeds in March 1996 - 21 stories making the news

By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 10th Mar 2021, 06:00 GMT
Updated 10th Mar 2021, 08:39 GMT

It was a date with destiny which ended in a day of despair.

Thousands of Leeds United fans descended on Wembley for Coca Cola Cup final in March 1996 - the club's first domestic cup final in more than 20 years. But the Whites were comprehensively swept aside by Aston Villa in front of 77,065 fans at the home of football. Goals from Savo Milošević, Ian Taylor and Dwight Yorke provided the source of heartache in a game which signaled the beginning of the end for manager Howard Wilkinson. There was also disappointment for Leeds RL fans in the same month after the club were knocked out of the Challenge Cup in the semi-final by Bradford Bulls. In more positive news the Royal Armouries opened its doors for the first time while Leeds Bus Station reopened after being rebuilt. This was Leeds in March 1996 - is it a city you remember? READ MORE: 21 Leeds publicans you may remember from the 1990s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Master of the Royal Armouries Guy Wilson and his daughter officially open the museum to the awaiting public.

1. Leeds city centre

Master of the Royal Armouries Guy Wilson and his daughter officially open the museum to the awaiting public. | Charles Knight Photo: Charles Knight

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The first new hackney cab design in the UK for ten years received its license from Leeds City Council. Pictured is driver Ken Clynes chatting with Alan Tooby, chair of the Wakefield Access Group.

2. Leeds city centre

The first new hackney cab design in the UK for ten years received its license from Leeds City Council. Pictured is driver Ken Clynes chatting with Alan Tooby, chair of the Wakefield Access Group. | Gary Longbottom Photo: Gary Longbottom

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Leeds Superbus overtakes traffic on Scott Hall Road using its special guide path.

3. Scott Hall Road

Leeds Superbus overtakes traffic on Scott Hall Road using its special guide path. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty

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Leeds City Bus Station was rebuilt and reopened with National Express relocated to the site. Wellington Street coach station was closed when the new station opened.

4. Leeds city centre

Leeds City Bus Station was rebuilt and reopened with National Express relocated to the site. Wellington Street coach station was closed when the new station opened. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox

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The Royal Armouries opened in the city. Actress Una Stubbs, in a costume of Queen Elizabeth 1, meets Queen Elizabeth 2 during her visit for the opening.

5. Leeds city centre

The Royal Armouries opened in the city. Actress Una Stubbs, in a costume of Queen Elizabeth 1, meets Queen Elizabeth 2 during her visit for the opening. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson

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A special Book Week was held for pupils of Weetwood Primary aimed at generating a love of books amongst the children. Pictured is pupil Jacob Churchill.

6. Weetwood

A special Book Week was held for pupils of Weetwood Primary aimed at generating a love of books amongst the children. Pictured is pupil Jacob Churchill. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme

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