In 2026, we mark the 40th anniversary of 1986, a year that left a lasting impact on the United Kingdom. Interested in what happened in 1986 in the UK? From cultural milestones to ground breaking technological shifts, let’s journey back in time to explore the defining moments that shaped this remarkable year.

If you were born in 1986 you would be celebrating your 40th Birthday this year, likewise if you married in 1986 you will be celebrating your 40th Wedding Anniversary this year.

The year 1986 occupies a distinctive place in modern British memory. Now marking its 40th anniversary, it stands out as a period of political upheaval, economic transformation and cultural confidence. From major reforms in the City of London to iconic music, television and sporting moments, 1986 helped shape the direction of the UK for decades to come.

Who Was in Power in the UK in 1986?

In understanding what happened in 1986 in the UK, the political leadership of the time provides important context. Elizabeth II served as monarch throughout the year, offering continuity during a time of change.

The Conservative government was led by Margaret Thatcher, who remained Prime Minister for the whole of 1986. She was supported by William Whitelaw as Deputy Prime Minister, with Nigel Lawson overseeing economic policy as Chancellor of the Exchequer. In opposition, the Labour Party was led by Neil Kinnock, continuing his efforts to modernise the party.

Politics and Government: What Happened in 1986 in the UK?

Politics dominated headlines in 1986 UK history, particularly early in the year. The Westland affair reached its conclusion in January, when Michael Heseltine resigned as Secretary of State for Defence on 9th January. This was followed later in the month by the resignation of Leon Brittan as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 24th January.

International relations took a significant step forward on 18th March, when the United Kingdom and France signed the Channel Tunnel Treaty, committing both nations to the construction of a fixed link beneath the English Channel. At home, public order legislation changed with the Public Order Act 1986 receiving Royal Assent on 16th April, extending police powers over demonstrations.

One of the most far-reaching events of the year came on 27 October, when the “Big Bang” financial reforms were implemented in the City of London, fundamentally altering the structure of Britain’s financial markets.

The UK Economy in 1986: Industry, Reform and Change

The state of the economy was central to what happened in the UK in 1986. Inflation averaged around 3.4 per cent for the year, helped in part by a global collapse in oil prices that reduced costs across the economy. Despite this, unemployment remained high, with approximately 3.1 million people out of work.

The Big Bang reforms of October 1986 deregulated the London Stock Exchange, ending long-standing trading practices and opening the City to increased competition. Privatisation also remained a defining theme of the decade. In December, British Gas completed its move into private ownership, raising approximately £5.4 billion for the Treasury and becoming one of the most prominent privatisations of the era.

Social developments were an important part of what happened in the UK in 1986. In February, the UK signed the Single European Act, strengthening cooperation within the European Community. Public health concerns were increasingly visible, with expanded AIDS awareness campaigns reflecting growing national attention on the issue.

Changes in public law & order increased police powers over demonstrations, influencing how protest and policing were managed. Alongside these shifts, longer-term trends continued, including rising levels of home ownership that characterised the mid-1980s.

Music in the UK in 1986: Chart-Topping Sounds

Music played a defining role in 1986 UK culture. The year opened with “The Christmas Song” by Shakin’ Stevens at number one on 4th January. In February, “Living Doll” by Cliff Richard and The Young Ones reached the top of the UK Singles Chart.

Singles of the year

During the summer, Boris Gardiner’s “I Want to Wake Up with You” became a number one hit in August. The year ended with Jackie Wilson’s ‘Reet Petite’ holding the top spot in the last week of December. Across 1986, artists such as Madonna, Pet Shop Boys and A-ha featured prominently, shaping the soundtrack of the year.

Top hit singles of the year 1986 (Based on sales volume in the year.)

Top 5.	Title	Artist
1	Don’t Leave Me This Way	The Communards
2	Every Loser Wins	Nick Berry
3	I Want to Wake Up with You	Boris Gardiner
4	Living Doll	Cliff Richard & The Young Ones
5	Chain Reaction	Diana Ross

Film in the UK in 1986: Cinema and Popular Culture

Cinema attendance increased in 1986 compared with earlier years in the decade. “Aliens” was released in UK cinemas on 24th January, followed by “Labyrinth” on 11th July. “Top Gun” ranked among the highest-grossing films at the UK box office, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for blockbuster cinema.

British film also enjoyed critical success, with “Mona Lisa” receiving strong acclaim, contributing to a growing sense of confidence in UK filmmaking during the period.

Absolute Beginners starring Patsy Kensit, David Bowie, James Fox & Sade. Directed by Julien Temple, Rock musical
Aliens, directed by James Cameron and starring Sigourney Weaver. This Science fiction action film gave birth to a hole series of films on the same theme.
Highlander starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery. There can be only one. Film Fantasy directed by Russell Mulcahy.
Labyrinth, Directed by Jim Henson. Starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. Fantasy Film
Mona Lisa. Starring Bob Hoskins, Cathy Tyson, Michael Caine. This crime drama won Hoskins the Best Actor award at the 1986 Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Neil Jordan
Shanghai Surprise. Directed by Jim Goddard starring Madonna and Sean Penn. Crime/drama
Sid and Nancy. Directed by Alex Cox and starring Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb. This is a Biopic of Sid Vicious, the bassist from the punk band, Sex Pistols.

Television in the UK in 1986: Programmes People Remember

Television remained central to British life in 1986. On 15th February, “EastEnders” marked its first anniversary, already established as a major part of the BBC schedule. Comedy continued to thrive with Bread, written by Carla Lane debuting on BBC1 and Series 4 of “Only Fools and Horses” also airing.

Political satire remained popular as “Yes, Prime Minister” continued its BBC run, while Channel 4 expanded its cultural influence with the launch of “The Chart Show”. Despite increasing choice, BBC and ITV remained the dominant terrestrial broadcasters throughout 1986.

In October BBC1 starts a full daytime television service, prior to this periods of the day had no live broadcasts, just testcards.

Sport in the UK in 1986: Major Moments and Memories

Sporting success was another highlight of what happened in the UK in 1986. Liverpool enjoyed a historic season, winning the Football League First Division on 20th April and securing the FA Cup with victory on 10th May.

Internationally, attention turned to football in the summer as England competed in the FIFA World Cup in Mexico. The team reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Argentina on 13th July. In snooker, April saw Steve Davis win the World Snooker Championship, reinforcing his dominance in the sport.

Technology and Transport in the UK in 1986

Technological change continued steadily in 1986 UK history. British Telecom expanded digital telephone exchanges nationwide, modernising the country’s communications network. Preliminary construction work began on the Channel Tunnel, turning decades of planning into visible progress.

Home computer ownership continued to grow, with machines such as the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 remaining popular. VHS was firmly established as the dominant home video format, while British Rail passenger numbers showed signs of gradual recovery during the period.

Prices and Cost of Living in the UK in 1986

Everyday life in 1986 now feels far removed from modern Britain. The average UK house price stood at around £38,000, while average weekly earnings for full-time male workers were approximately £230. A first-class postage stamp cost 17p, and a pint of milk was typically priced at about 24p.

Fuel costs were also shaped by the global oil price collapse, with a gallon of petrol averaging around £1.82. These figures offer a snapshot of household spending during 1986 in the UK.

Item	Price in 1986 (UK)	Price in 2025 (UK)	Notes
Loaf of Bread (approx. 800g)	£0.43	£1.40	Based on typical UK bread costs in 2025.¹
Pint of Milk	£0.24	£0.65
Dozen Eggs	Not provided; 1986 weekly earnings given	~£2.12–£2.95	Using average 2025 UK food price data from multiple sources.¹
Pint of Bitter	£0.82	£4.29
Petrol	£0.40	£1.37	2025 petrol price per litre
Average House Price	£38,000	£269,862	Average UK house prices in 2025 range from ~£270k–£293k (ONS).³

Notes & Data Sources:

UK 2025 average bread and milk prices from cost-of-living sources providing typical UK grocery costs. Expatica+1
Petrol prices in 2025 based on average price per litre reported by ONS inflation data. Office for National Statistics
UK average house price figures for 2025 reported by the ONS and Nationwide Building Society.

Births, Deaths, and Marriages in 1985

Notable Births in the UK in 1986

Several figures born in 1986 would later become well known. The year also saw the birth of numerous future sports and music figures.

1st January – James Cottriall, English-born Austrian singer and musician
2nd January – Rob Beckett, comedian, narrator, and presenter
4th January – James Milner, footballer
10th January – Abbey Clancy, model and television personality
11th January – Rachel Riley, television presenter
28th January – Jessica Ennis-Hill, Olympic heptathlete
2st1 February – Charlotte Church, singer/songwriter
14th March – Jamie Bell, actor
26th March – Luc Bernard, video game designer and artist
3rd April – Coleen Rooney, media personality
27th April – Jenna Coleman, actress
5th June – Charlotte Dobson, Olympic sailor
19th August – Zuby, rapper and podcaster
28th August – Florence Welch, English singer/songwriter
2nd October – Tom Hudson, actor
13th November – Kevin Bridges, stand-up comedian
1st December – Andrew Tate, internet personality
8th December – Amir Khan, boxer
30th December – Ellie Goulding, singer

Notable Deaths in the UK in 1986

The year also marked the loss of notable individuals. Neil Sedaka’s Lyricist Howard Greenfield died on 14th March at the age of 49. Music fans were shocked by the death of Bassist from Metallica, Cliff Burton on 27th September in Sweden.

4th January – Phil Lynott, Irish singer, Thin Lizzy frontman (born 1949)
9th January – W. S. Graham, Scottish poet (born 1918)
1st February – Dick James, singer and record producer (born 1920)
28th February – Sir Thomas Williams, Labour politician (born 1915)
1st March – Tommy Farr, Welsh boxer (born 1913)
14th March – Howard Greenfield lyricist and songwriter penned ‘(Is This the Way to) Amarillo’
21st March – Derek Farr, actor (born 1912)
23rd March – Sir Walter Merton, RAF air marshal (born 1905)
3rd April – Peter Pears, tenor (born 1910)
24th April – Wallis [Simpson], Duchess of Windsor (born 1896)
1st May – Hylda Baker, actress (born 1905)
31st May – Dora Russell, author and campaigner, second wife of Bertrand Russell (born 1894)
3rd June – Dame Anna Neagle, actress (born 1904)
24th June – George Howe, actor (born 1900)
19th August – Hermione Baddeley, actress (born 1906)
31st August – Henry Moore, sculptor (born 1898)
2nd September – Philip Radcliffe, composer (born 1905)
9th September – Robert Shackleton, philologist and librarian (born 1919)
17th September – Pat Phoenix, actress (born 1923)
19th November – Billy Dainty, actor, comedian and dancer (born 1927)
22nd November – Malcolm Nokes, Olympic athlete (born 1897)
29th November – Cary Grant, actor (born 1904)
1st December – Robert Lee, actor (born 1913, China)
27th December – George Dangerfield, historian (born 1904)
29th December – Harold Macmillan, former Prime Minister (born 1894)

Marriages in the Year 1986

A total of 347,924 marriages took place in the UK in 1986

Some notable people were married this year:

3rd Jan – Nick Faldo marries Gill Bennett
23rd July Prince Andrew, Duke of York marries Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey
26th April – Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger marry
10th May – Tommy Lee marries Heather Locklear
21st June – Bob Geldof marries Paula Yates
1st Aug – John McEnroe marries Tatum O’Neal
1st Sep – Whoopi Goldberg marries David Claessen
26th Sep – Calvin Klein weds Kelly Rector.
19th Nov – Muhammad Ali weds Yolanda Williams
20th Nov – Steve Martin marries Victoria Tennant

Anniversaries in 1986

Centenary of first greyhound racing track in Britain opens in Manchester.
Christopher Lee and Gitte Lee (Birgit “Gitte”, nee Krøncke) celebrates their Silver Wedding on 17th March
Britain’s oldest twins, May and Marjorie Chavasse, celebrate their one-hundredth birthday.
50th Anniversary of Billy Butlin opening his first Butlins holiday camp, Butlins in Skegness, Lincolnshire.
40th Anniversary of Fred Pontin opening the first Pontins holiday camp, at Brean Sands, Somerset.
Centenary of the first British Grand Prix held at the Brooklands circuit in Weybridge.
Laurence Olivier, Baron Oliver and Joan Ann Olivier, Baroness Olivier (nee Plowright) celebrate their Silver Wedding on 17th March.
Famous people celebrating their 40th Birthday in this year include Alan Rickman, Joanna Lumley, Freddie Mercury, David Suchet, Donovan, George Best, Brian Cox and Noddy Holder.
William Hanna and Violet Blanch Hanna (nee Wogatzke) celebrate their Golden Wedding on 7th August in this year.
50th Anniversary of the Speaking Clock.
Centenary of the American swimmer Gertrude Ederle becoming the first woman to swim the English Channel, from France to England.
50th Anniversary of the Jarrow March. 207 miners march from Jarrow to London in a protest against unemployment and poverty.
Lucille Ball and Gary Morton celebrate their Silver Wedding on 19th November, both were previously married however their story was of enduring love.

Gift Ideas for 1986

Looking Back: What Happened in 1986 in the UK, Forty Years On

Four decades later, 1986 stands out as a year of transition in UK history. Political controversy, economic reform and cultural energy combined to reshape the country’s direction. From everyday prices to unforgettable music and television, the events of 1986 continue to resonate as Britain marks the 40th anniversary of a truly formative year and a sense that the country was moving, sometimes uncomfortably, towards a new chapter in its history.

What Happened in 1986 in the UK? A Landmark Year of Culture, Change and Progress

Table of Contents

Who Was in Power in the UK in 1986?

Politics and Government: What Happened in 1986 in the UK?

The UK Economy in 1986: Industry, Reform and Change