Margaret Thatcher was in power, unemployment hit three million and health workers took strike action over pay. Sadly, the name of the city hit headlines worldwide when HMS Sheffield was sunk, with the loss of 20 lives, in the Falklands conflict.
On the lighter side of life, Sheffield new wave bands such as the Human League and ABC were riding high in the charts and you might have gone to new venue the Nelson Mandela Building at Sheffield Poly to watch bands.
What do you remember? See if these pictures bring back memories.
9. Fast food
The Carfield Junior School pancake race team, pictured during the sports day between Carfield and Heeley Bank Junior Schools in Sheffield on February 23, 1982. Pictured left to right are Joanne White, Denise Condon, Sarah Kriel, Russell Davies, Paul Musleh and Martin Bell Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
10. Alien invasion!
These aliens are enjoying the 1982 Lord Mayor's Parade in Sheffield city centre Photo: Sheffield Newspapers