Devolution, Drama and Dotcoms: The year 1999 in the UK

If you want to know what happened in 1999 in the UK you’ve come to the right place. The year 1999 was a pivotal one for the United Kingdom, marked by significant events that shaped the nation’s history and culture. In this blog post, we’ll explore these major occurrences, delving into their impact and legacy.

Major Events of the Year 1999 in the UK

• Opening of the Devolved Parliaments – 1999 marked a momentous shift in UK politics with the opening of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. This event was a milestone in the devolution process, granting Scotland and Wales a degree of legislative autonomy. The establishment of the devolved authorities significantly altered the political landscape of the UK. It allowed for greater self-governance in Scotland & Wales, addressing long-standing calls for devolution and influencing the future political discourse in the UK.
• Construction of the London Eye – The London Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, began to be erected in 1999. It was a bold architectural and engineering feat, destined to become one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. The London Eye not only transformed London’s skyline but also became a symbol of modern Britain. It attracted millions of tourists, significantly contributing to the city’s economy and enhancing its cultural appeal.
• Millennium Dome. The Millennium Dome, now known as The O2, was constructed in 1999 as part of the UK’s millennium celebrations. Designed to only last a decade this architectural wonder in Greenwich now represents the UK’s ambitious vision for the millennium and beyond. Despite initial criticism and financial controversies, the Dome eventually became a popular entertainment venue. It stands as a testament to the UK’s capacity for grand-scale, innovative construction projects.
• Solar Eclipse – In August 1999, the UK experienced a total solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event. This eclipse was visible across Cornwall and South Devon, drawing crowds and sparking widespread interest. The eclipse became a significant cultural event, with community gatherings and educational initiatives. It highlighted the public’s interest in astronomy and the natural world.

Global Events That Happened In 1999

• The Millennium Bug was big in this year also known as the Y2K Bug. The concern was old computer systems could not understand dates beyond 1999, this may cause them to malfunction unexpectedly. Given a lot of these existed in Defence and Weapon systems a body of work was required to resolve the issue. While the feared global meltdown didn’t materialise, thanks to extensive preparations, Y2K raised critical awareness about our growing dependence on technology and the need for robust digital infrastructures.
• Napster Revolutionises Music – 1999 saw the launch of Napster, a pioneering peer-to-peer file-sharing service. It transformed the music industry by allowing users to easily share digital music files. Napster’s rise initiated a seismic shift in how music was consumed and distributed, leading to the eventual development of streaming services and the digital music economy.
• Introduction of the Euro- A New Currency Euro was introduced in 1999 as a unified currency for many European Union countries. It marked a significant step towards European economic integration. The Euro has since played a crucial role in shaping the European economy, influencing trade, travel, and economic policy within and beyond Europe.
• WTO Protests in Seattle – The ‘Battle of Seattle’, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Seattle in 1999 was met with large-scale protests. Activists gathered to voice their concerns over global economic and environmental issues. These protests were a landmark event in the anti-globalisation movement, bringing attention to the impacts of globalisation and influencing future international economic policies.
• The population of the planet passes 6 Billion people for the first time.

UK Music of 1999

What happened in 1999 in the UK’s music industry:

The Record of the Year went to Westlife with ‘Flying without Wings.’

Three hit singles dominated the single’s music chart in 1999, each holding the number one spot for a three weeks—the longest duration that year. These were Ricky Martin’s energetic “Livin’ La Vida Loca”, Eiffel 65’s catchy “Blue (Da Ba Dee)”, and Cliff Richard’s inspiring “The Millennium Prayer”.

Boyzone dominated the Album charts with their Album ‘By Request’ during the summer months, holding the number one slot for 9 weeks. Shania Twain, however, took the crown for best selling album of the year with her LP ‘Come on Over’ which was number one for 6 weeks including the whole of December when sales are at their highest.

Top UK Movie News of 1999

Hugh Jackman, Simon Pegg and Idris Elba all made their acting debuts in this year.

UK Box office hits for the year included:

• Notting Hill.
• Eyes wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s last film.
• The World is not Enough, James Bond played by Pierce Brosnan.
• Sleepy Hollow.

Box Office Hits released in the year 1999

The year was by science fiction and fantasy films, the top grossing film was Star Wars: Ep. 1 The Phantom Menace. The Matix and The Mummy were also high grossing films in this year. American Beauty took the best film at the 57th Golden Globe awards.

Science & Technology of 1999 in the UK

• More than 20% of the UK population (over 12 million people) now have internet access. This was predominantly by dial-up service, the 1st broadband service was not introduced until the following year.
• Ford Motor Company takes over Jaguar in a £1.6billion deal.
• BAE Systems are formed by the merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems.
• UK becomes first country in the world to use a vaccine against Group C meningococcal disease.

What Happened in Sport in 1999

• Manchester United come from behind to beat Bayern Munich, with two late goals in the UEFA Champions League final. They are the first English club in history to win the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and European Cup in the same season.
• World Snooker Championship: Stephen Hendry defeats Mark Williams, 18-11 for a record 7th world crown.
• Manchester United’s manager, Alex Ferguson is knighted in this year
• An attempt by BSkyB to buy Manchester United F.C. is rejected by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.
• Tony Hawk is the first skateboarder to land a “900”

UK Television of the Year 1999

what happened in 1999 in the UK’s television,

• Noel’s House Party airs it’s final episode after it’s initial 8 year run.
• The Surfer advertisement for Guinness first airs on ITV.
• Ross Kemp who plays Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, leaves the soap after signing a contract with ITV
• Miami 7 is aired for the first time on CBBC, it featured the manufactured pop group S Club 7 and was used as a vehicle to promote the group.

Check out so UK adverts from 1999:

Interesting Facts and Figures about 1999

Symbol of 1999 Chinese Zodiac

1999 was the year of the Rabbit within the Chinese Zodiac.

According to the Chinese zodiac, a person born in 1999 in the year of the Rabbit is likely to have the following traits:

• Elegant, kind, and polite. Rabbits tend to have graceful manners and value harmonious relationships.
• Cautious and vigilant. While sensitive, Rabbits are also wary and attentive to details. They are often very careful and dislike risk-taking.
• Diplomatic and peace-loving. Rabbits prefer to negotiate conflicts calmly rather than confront them directly. They avoid fighting and aggression.
• Refined artistic tastes. Rabbits are drawn to beauty and the finer things in life. Many have creative talents in areas like art, design, or music.
• Intelligent and clever. Rabbits are quick-witted and resourceful in solving problems. They have an aptitude for learning and education.
• Occasionally anxious. Rabbits can overthink things and grow worried or nervous at times. However, they try not to let anxiety get the better of them.
• Overall, a person born in 1999 in the year of the Rabbit is likely to be subtle, elegant, and polite with exceptional people skills. They probably also have an appreciation for art and intellect. However, they may be risk-averse and prone to anxiousness on occasion.

Births, Deaths, and Marriages in 1999

Births

A total of 621,872 Births were registered this year in the UK. 51.34% were male, 48.66% Female.

• Brooklyn Beckham, son of David & Victoria Beckham.
• Lando Norris, racing driver.
• Declan Rice, footballer.
• Aitch, rapper. (AKA Harrison James Armstrong)
• Reece James, footballer.

Deaths

• Jill Dando (TV presenter,) 37, dies after being shot on the doorstep of her Fulham home. Her murderer is never found.
• Stanley Kubrick, American-born film director dies at his UK home.
• Rod Hull (Comedian and entertainer, aged 63,) is killed in a fall at his home whilst trying to adjust his television aerial.
• Cardinal Basil Hume, leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, dies of cancer aged 76.
• Sir Alf Ramsey, footballer and manager.
• Dirk Bogarde, Actor and Author.
• Derek Nimmo, Actor.
• Bill Owen, Actor.
• Dusty Springfield, Singer.
• Lena Zavaroni, Singer.
• Oliver Reed, Actor.
• Johnny Morris, Television Presenter.
• Ernie Wise, Comedian.
• Frankie Vaughan, Singer.
• David Sutch, Politician! Leader of the Monster Raving Looney Party.

Marriages

In 1999 there were 263,515 marriages registered in the UK.

• Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones marry at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
• Princess Caroline of Monaco and Prince Ernst August marry in Monaco.
• David Beckham (Footballer) and Victoria Adams (Singer & Designer) marry in Luttrellstown Castle, Ireland.
• Reese Witherspoon (actor) and Ryan Phillippe (actor) marry in South Carolina, USA. They divorced in 2007.
• Jet Li (actor) and Nina Li Chi (actor) marry in Los Angeles, USA. His 2nd marriage, they are still married.
• Helen Hunt (actor) and Hank Azaria (voice artist) marry in Los Angeles, USA. They divorce 17 months later!
• Courtney Cox (actor) and David Arquette (actor) marry in San Francisco, USA. They officially divorced in 2013 after a period of separation.

Anniversaries in 1999

• Nancy & Henry Kissinger (US politician) celebrate their 25th Wedding anniversary.
• Sissy Spacek (actor) and Jack Fisk (film production designer) celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary.
• Vicki Michelle (actor) and Graham Fowler (cinematographer.) celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary.
• Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM film studio) celebrated their 75th Anniversary in this year. The first Carrie film was released as was their eighth top grossing film of all time, the Bond film; The World Is Not Enough.

UK Cost of Living in the year 1999

A minimum wage is introduced in the UK – initially set at £3.60 an hour for workers over 21, and £3 for workers under 21.

Comparison Table: Consumer Products Then and Now

Item	Price in 1999	Price Today	Notes
Loaf of Bread (800g, sliced)	£0.51	£1.20	Staple food item, indicative of basic food costs.
Pint of Milk	£0.34	£0.90	Essential dairy product.
Dozen Eggs	£1.38	£2.50	Basic cooking ingredient.
1KG of Oranges	£0.22	£0.56	Fresh fruit, health staple.
1 Litre of Petrol	£0.70	£1.30	Reflects transportation costs.
Pint of Bitter	£1.73	£3.79	Essential social product
Average House Price	£75,071	£290,000	Indicator of housing market and affordability.
Average Annual Salary	£17,803	£34,963	Reflects average earning capacity.

Figures from ONS and UK Land registry. Annual Salary use full time male, manual & non-manual, all ages median wage.

FAQs About the UK in 1999

1. What led to the establishment of the Scottish Parliament?
   • The Scottish Parliament was established following a referendum in 1997, as part of the UK’s devolution process.
2. How tall is the London Eye, and how many passengers can it hold?
   • The London Eye is 135 meters tall and can hold up to 800 passengers in its 32 capsules.
3. What was the initial purpose of the Millennium Dome?
   • The Dome was constructed to celebrate the turn of the millennium and initially housed the Millennium Experience exhibition.
4. How often do total solar eclipses occur in the UK?
   • Total solar eclipses are rare in the UK, with the next one predicted to be visible in 2090.
5. Can the Scottish Parliament make decisions on all matters?
   • The Scottish Parliament has powers over certain areas like education and health but not on matters like defence and foreign affairs, which remain with the UK Parliament.
6. Is the London Eye operational all year round?
   • Yes, except for maintenance periods, the London Eye operates throughout the year.
7. Has the Millennium Dome been successful since its opening?
   • After initial challenges, it has become a successful entertainment venue, hosting various events and concerts.
8. What was the public reaction to the 1999 solar eclipse in the UK?
   • The eclipse generated significant public interest, with many traveling to the best viewing locations.
9. How has the Scottish Parliament affected UK politics?
   • It has led to a more decentralised political system and has influenced debates on Scottish independence.
10. What is the significance of the London Eye in UK culture?
    • The Eye has become a symbol of modern London and a popular cultural and tourist attraction.

Gift Ideas for 1999

The Year 1999 final thoughts

1999 was indeed a watershed year for the UK, marked by transformative events that shaped its political, cultural, and architectural landscape. Each event left a unique imprint, contributing to the rich tapestry of British history and identity.

Looking back at 1999 from a 2024 perspective, we can appreciate how events from a quarter century ago have shaped our current world. The technological advancements, economic shifts, and social movements of 1999 have had lasting impacts