A rock and roll line up in Leeds in July 1976. Pictured, from left, are Henry Karasiewicz from Kirkstall, Julie Skelton from Horsforth, Nick Kovrlija from Halton, Lynda Gedge from Horsforth and Terry Best from Roundhay.placeholder image
A rock and roll line up in Leeds in July 1976. Pictured, from left, are Henry Karasiewicz from Kirkstall, Julie Skelton from Horsforth, Nick Kovrlija from Halton, Lynda Gedge from Horsforth and Terry Best from Roundhay. | YPN

18 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1976

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 24th Nov 2025, 04:45 GMT

They were some of the drape-jacketed, crepe-soled reminders of a rock and roll era.

These five ‘Teds’ claimed that Leeds had turned its back on the youth subculture and all that it stood for. They said that clubs and pubs turned them away without reason though their gear probably costed double that worn by any of the more orthodox clientele. And while other West Yorkshire towns and cities such as nearby Bradford boasted several rock and roll clubs and pubs Leeds didn’t have one to its name. This was 1976 and the new generation of ‘Teddy Boys’ and ‘Teddy Girls’ had became the enemies of the Vivian Westwood and Sex Pistols-inspired punks. The photo is one of 18 charting the year around Leeds showcasing the stories and issues making the new headlines during the 12 months. City centre landmarks are featured as well as memories from around the suburbs with Woodhouse, Swillington, Cross Green, Beeston, Moortown all in focus. READ MORE: 27 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1973 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Hawes Place in Woodhouse in January 1976. After the junction with Rider Road the street becomes State Street which is crossed by Ganton Place, Ganton Mount and Ganton View.

7. Woodhouse

Hawes Place in Woodhouse in January 1976. After the junction with Rider Road the street becomes State Street which is crossed by Ganton Place, Ganton Mount and Ganton View. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
A porter's barrow stands empty on one of the deserted platforms at Leeds City Station in March 1976, from where only a limited service of local trains are operating owing to a rail strike.

8. Leeds city centre

A porter's barrow stands empty on one of the deserted platforms at Leeds City Station in March 1976, from where only a limited service of local trains are operating owing to a rail strike. | YPN Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Leeds United star Duncan McKenzie showcased his 'party piece' of leaping over a mini car at Elland Road before Paul Reaney's testimonial game in May 1976.

9. Leeds United

Leeds United star Duncan McKenzie showcased his 'party piece' of leaping over a mini car at Elland Road before Paul Reaney's testimonial game in May 1976. | YPN Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
YEP Women's Circle members and their children had fun down on the farm when they visited Swillington House Farm in April 1976. Driving the tractor is James Bulloack, whose father owns the farm.

10. Swillington

YEP Women's Circle members and their children had fun down on the farm when they visited Swillington House Farm in April 1976. Driving the tractor is James Bulloack, whose father owns the farm. | YPN Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Shoppers choose the catch of the day in the new fish market at Leeds in November 1976.

11. Leeds city centre

Shoppers choose the catch of the day in the new fish market at Leeds in November 1976. | YPN Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Did you drink in here back in the day? Cemetery Tavern on Beckett Street pictured in February 1976.

12. Burmantofts

Did you drink in here back in the day? Cemetery Tavern on Beckett Street pictured in February 1976. | YPN Photo: YPN

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 4
Next Page
Related topics:Leeds
Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice