One of the biggest events during this year was the sweltering summer. The temperature reached into the 80s - and even the 90s as records tumbled across the country - leading to water shortages, rationing of supplies and ice cream running out.
Like the summer of 2026, wildfires broke out, water shortages were being declared nationwide and swimming pools were packed as people tried to cool off in the scorching heat.
Brenda Cork (now Rodgers), became the first female bus driver in Sheffield, in 1976. Based at depots such as Leadmill Road, she trained along routes like the number 17 to Hillsborough. Her presence behind the wheel of public transport vehicles drew surprised, double-take looks from passengers unused to seeing a woman in that role. Following her service driving city buses, she went on to pursue a career as a long-distance coach driver with National Express.
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For many years, Sheffield truly has been the city of music and 1976 was a year that was certainly an exciting year to be a music fan. Def Leppard were founded in 1976, and it was all thanks to a missed bus journey.
Roller Girls donned their tartan and screamed in delight as the Bay City Rollers came to Sheffield City Hall – Do you remember Bay City Roller fever?
The Clash performed their first live show as a support act for The Sex Pistols at The Black Swan on Snig Hill. A venue affectionately nicknamed the ‘Mucky Duck’ by locals due to a large stone swan sculpture out at the front of the building.
The Black Swan, of which the site dates back to the 1700s, has had a few names over the years such as the Compleat Angler and The Boardwalk – which would many years later become synonymous with another Sheffield band, the Arctic Monkeys.
In this gallery, you’ll also see the Sheffield Town Hall public toilets (do you remember public toilets?), plus a Royal visit to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and local people going about their lives as best as they can… a bit like today really.
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1. Hardening treatment
Removing drills from a salt bath during hardening treatment in the heat treatment department of the Sheffield Twist Drill and Steel Company on September 10, 1976
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Len Badger, Sheffield United FC, leaves Bramall Lane after being sold to Chesterfield FC in January 1976. He played for a further two seasons for the Spireites making 46 appearances before a series of knee injuries ended his career. | Johnston Press
3. Room for one more?
The playground at Crookes Valley Park, Sheffield, in June 1976 | Sheffield Newspapers
4. Heeley Electric Palace Cinema
Heeley Electric Palace Cinema, on London Road, Sheffield, is pictured here in 1976. The huge venue, seating 1,450 people, opened in 1911. It was later used as a bingo hall, before being demolished in 1981, with the site now used by the furniture firm Ponsford. | Picture Sheffield/Pete Hill