Life in Wakefield: 14 incredible photos of life in Wakefield and the Five Towns in the 1980s

By Kara McKune

Published 26th Jul 2025, 19:00 GMT

Updated 19th Feb 2026, 10:45 GMT

We looked through our archives and found these nostalgic photos of Wakefield in the 1980s.

From newborn babies and fighting fires to Noel Edmonds and junior anglers - these impressive photos were all taken in the 1980s across the district.

See if you can spot anyone you know!

Cubs and Scouts clearing land at St Anne's church hall in Wrenthorpe in 1985. Photo: National World Archive

Waddingtons Games in Oulton in 1984. Photo: National World Archive

Claire Rayner and Radio Aire's Peter Levy in The Ridings in April, 1985. Photo: National World Archive

Rawson's fire in Wakefield in 1984. Photo: National World Archive

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