1979 was an unforgettable year for Shrewsbury, with Shrewsbury Town FC enjoying a remarkable FA Cup run before making history by winning the Third Division title. The team captured the imagination of supporters with their famous 2-0 victory over Manchester City, followed by a thrilling run to the quarter-finals, before securing promotion in front of a huge crowd at Gay Meadow.
But there was much more happening around the town beyond the footballing triumphs. From a bitter winter freeze that brought snow and brought communities together, to the opening of the Frankwell footbridge, these archive pictures capture a year of change, celebration and everyday life.
There are also glimpses of local people at work and play, from students learning new skills to police officers out on their beat, alongside the community's efforts to support a major cancer appeal.
Take a trip back to 1979 and see what life in Shrewsbury looked like nearly 50 years ago, and share your memories in the comments.
- See 27 archive pictures of Shropshire in 1985 and revisit a year gone by
- You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here
9. Local performers take their places in the spotlight
Members of the Shrewsbury Amateur Operatic Society gather for an ensemble cast photograph during rehearsals in 1979. Can you spot a relative, friend, or familiar face among the society members lined up here? Did you ever tread the boards with the group or sit in the audience watching one of their grand musical productions that year? | Shropshire Star archive
10. Molineux tension as Shrewsbury Town take the fight to Wolves
A packed penalty box watches on in March 1979 as Shrewsbury Town apply relentless pressure during their historic FA Cup quarter-final showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers, holding their top-tier neighbours to a dramatic one-one draw before more than forty thousand spectators. Were you one of the thousands of Shrewsbury fans who made the trip down the road to Molineux for that tense quarter-final? What do you remember most about the unbelievable atmosphere and drama of that historic cup tie? | Shropshire Star archive
11. A blizzard of ticker tape greets the champions at Gay Meadow
Streamers and shredded paper rain down from the packed terraces on Thursday, May 17, 1979, creating an electric atmosphere as supporters celebrate an emphatic four-one victory over Exeter City that secured the Third Division championship and historic promotion into Division Two for the very first time. Did you bring along rolls of paper or torn-up newspapers to throw from the stands on that unforgettable night? Where in the ground were you standing when the final whistle blew to confirm Shrewsbury Town were champions? | Shropshire Star archive
12. Pure terrace joy as the Town book their ticket to the Second Division
Arms stretch high and blue-and-amber scarves flutter above the railway end terraces on May 17, 1979, as thousands of ecstatic Shrewsbury Town supporters celebrate sealing historic promotion to the old Second Division beneath the Gay Meadow floodlights. Can you spot your own younger self or a mate amongst the sea of scarves and smiles that evening? How long did the celebrations carry on through the streets of Shrewsbury after the final whistle blew? | Shropshire Star archive