27 years ago, Sheffield was plunged into darkness by a partial eclipse - this week, it will happen again.
The partial solar eclipse of 1999 blotted out 92 per cent of the sun’s light in Sheffield, while parts of the the furthest southern edges of England were treated to a total blackout.
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Sheffield will again see a partial solar eclipse - this time blocking out 91 per cent of the sun.
As families across the city rush to hunt down viewing glasses or look up how to make cereal box projectors, these photos from 1999 show some things never change.
These retro pictures from 1999 show Sheffield shoppers stopping in the high street to see the eclipse, as well as some intrepid viewers who went to the heights of the peaks in Derbyshire or the former Ski Village on Parkwood Springs to see the display.
Maybe some of these viewers are still in Sheffield today - and maybe some still have their glasses from 27 years ago!
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9. Stop and shop
Deborah Bilson watches the eclipse in High Street . | Picture Sheffield Newspapers Ltd


