It was prompted by a bomb scare which brought to the city centre to a standstill and led to a mass evacuation of public buildings. This was 1996 and the photo is one of 16 showcasing the year in the life of Leeds city centre. News stories making the headlines during the 12 months are all in focus as well as landmarks, shops and nightspots bring a year of memories to life using photos from the YEP archive. READ MORE: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds city centre
A deserted Merrion Centre in July 1996. | Dan Oxtoby Photo: Dan Oxtoby
2. Leeds city centre
Officer workers and shoppers pour out onto The Headrow after police ordered an evacuation of the city centre. | Dan Oxtoby Photo: Dan Oxtoby
3. Leeds city centre
Part of the massive contingent of Oasis fans who left the city centre by coach bound for Knebworth in August 1996. | Peter Thacker Photo: Peter Thacker
4. Leeds city centre
The La Comida restaurant was hoping for a Spanish victory in the Euro 1996 tournament .Pictured with his customers is Spanish owner Vincente Rodriguez holding the Spanish flag. | Richard Moran Photo: Richard Moran
5. Leeds city centre
Shoppers were caught out by freak rain storms in August 1996. | Justin Lloyd Photo: Justin Lloyd
6. Leeds city centre
French clowns juggling as part of the Music, Fire and Masks festival organised by Leeds City Council in June 1996. | Bruce Greer Photo: Bruce Greer