Step back in time: to 1960
Take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic look back at life back in 1960.
This is a year that marks the beginning of a shift in Britain and around the world; war and depression was over and the decade that followed was a time of great hope, excitement and change.
The Swinging Sixties would come to be known as a golden age of British pop music and fashion, and at the turn of the decade there was already a glimmer of the many exciting things to come.
So grab a cuppa and step back in time with us to 1960…
Popular Culture
Popular Culture offers a glimpse into the lives of people and the big and little things that made up the everyday. Here’s a snapshot of life and pop culture in 1960.
17 August – The Beatles perform their first concert under this name in Hamburg, West Germany.
4 April – Ben Hur wins the award for best picture at the 33rd annual Academy Awards.
10 November – Publisher Penguin is found not guilty of obscenity and a ban on the publication of Lady Chatterley’s Lover – in place since 1928 – is lifted. More than 200,000 copies are sold in one day.
9 December – First ever episode of ITV’s Coronation Street is aired – a show that continues to run more than 50 years later.
At the cinema: The Swiss Family Robinson, Spartacus, The Alamo, La Dolce Vita, The Magnificent Seven, Pure Hell at St. Trinians, The Time Machine, Psycho, Polyanna and The Lost World all debut in cinemas.
Chubby Chequer’s number 1 hit The Twist start a new dance craze around the world and lasts for several years.
Fashion moved away from tradition and heavy tailoring and trends began to reflect the desire for more relaxed clothing better suited to the actions of normal life. An eclectic mix of colours, shapes, accessories and costume jewellery began appearing in London and throughout the country.
Fairy washing up liquid is introduced as a new product by Proctor & Gamble and would go on to become one of Britain’s most iconic brands.
World Events
1960 wasn’t just an important year in Britain. Here’s a look at some of the most significant events that took place in 1960 around the globe.
6 May – Princess Margaret marries marries photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey in the first televised Royal marriage.
1 October – Nigeria gains independence from the United Kingdom.
18 November – JFK voted in as President of the United States following the first televised debate.
31 December – Last day the farthing counted as legal tender in the United Kingdom. The coin had previously been in circulation since the 13th century.
Sporting moments
From big upsets to big wins, here are some of the most significant moments to take place in sport in 1960.
Cassius Clay (Mohammad Ali) wins gold medal for Boxing during the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.
10 September – ITV broadcasts the first Live Football Match to be shown on television.
1960 Summer Olympics take place in Rome.
Pas Seul wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup while Merryman II wins the Grand National at Aintree.
Famous births
Some big personalities came into the world in 1960. Here’s a few of the famous faces born this year.
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- Nigella Lawson – 6 January
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- Prince Andrew – 19 February
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- Jeremy Clarkson – 11 April
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- Ian Hislop – 13 July
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- Hugh Grant – 9 September
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- Colin Firth – 10 September
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- Jonathan Ross – 17 November
Music
Nothing takes us back like music; these were some of the best-selling artists and most popular songs on the radio in 1960.
Best selling single of the year: Elvis Presley, It’s Now or Never [8 weeks at number 1]
Christmas number 1: Cliff Richard, I Love You
Other popular songs
Cliff Richard, Please Don’t Tease Me
Chubby Checker, The Twist
The Everly Brothers, Cathy’s Clown [7 weeks at number 1]
The Shadows, Apache [5 weeks at number 1]
How old were you in 1960? Does our timeline bring back any memories?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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