So we’ve wound the clock back 20 years to happier times in 2003 (yes it really was that long ago). Sure, people had their problems back then, but we’ve tried to focus on the positives from the year in which England became rugby world champions, a young Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut for Manchester United and ‘Dirty’ Den Watts returned to EastEnders 14 years after he was supposedly killed off.
We’ve picked some of the best retro photos from our archives of celebrations in Sheffield that year, including a wedding reception on the ice, a new pub opening, an amazing transatlantic journey and a school’s big anniversary bash. Do you recognise any of the faces pictured and do any of the events featured bring back happy memories, or do they simply make you feel old (apologies if it’s the latter)?
5. Many happy returns
Ralph Tarrent, of Broomhill, Sheffield, celebrates his 100th birthday in July 2003 with his wife Phyllis, 94, and four generations of children and grandchildren at the Tapton Masonic Hall Photo: Roger Nadal
6. Lions Lair
Chloe Newsome and Fabrice Limon celebrate the opening of the Lions Lair pub, in Sheffield city centre, in January 2003. Photo: Roger Nadal
7. Gala day
All smiles on the parade floats at Beighton Gala, in Sheffield, on July 12, 2003. Photo: Stuart Hastings
8. Fire hero
Teresa Ward is cheered by her classmates at Wisewood School in Sheffield after being presented with a certificate of merit from South Yorkshire Fire in February 2003. The 15-year-old had helped lead her sister and parents to safety after a fire broke out at their home in Hillsborough. Photo: Dean Atkins