What Happened in 1995 in the UK: Iconic Moments That Shaped History

In 2025, we mark the 30th anniversary of the year 1995. 0From cultural milestones to technological advancements, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit what took place in this eventful year in the UK.

Join us as we uncover the forgotten gems of 1995 and reflect on their impact on our lives today. So sit back, relax, and get ready to reminisce about the year that brought us countless memories and set the stage for the future.

Major Events of the Year 1995 in the UK

1. Fred West’s Death – Fred West, notorious for the murders committed with his wife Rosemary, was found hanged in his cell at Winson Green Prison, Birmingham, on January 1, 1995.
2. Transfer of Andy Cole to Manchester United – On January 10, Manchester United signed striker Andy Cole from Newcastle United for a record £7 million transfer fee, setting a new benchmark for football transfers in the UK.
3. Eric Cantona’s Kung-Fu Kick – On January 25, footballer Eric Cantona assaulted a spectator after being sent off during a match, leading to an eight-month ban from football and a £30,000 fine.
4. Collapse of Barings Bank – The UK’s oldest merchant bank, Barings Bank, collapsed following unauthorised trading by Nick Leeson, leading to a £860 million loss. This event was one of the largest financial scandals of the time.
5. Diana, Princess of Wales’s Panorama Interview – On November 20, Diana spoke candidly about her life within the Royal Family, her marriage, and her feelings in an interview with Martin Bashir for BBC’s Panorama, which was watched by millions and had a profound impact on public perception of the monarchy.
6. Rose West Sentencing – Rosemary West was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 22 for her part in ten murders, with a recommendation that she should never be released.
7. Talk Radio start broadcasting for the first time. They are the 3rd national commercial radio in the UK.
8. Long Dry Spell. The UK suffered the longest Dry Spell in the summer of 1995 since the drought of 1976. Over 1 million homes had hosepipe bans imposed.
9. Pensions Act 1995 receives Royal Assent, proposing to phase in a state pension age for women at 65 from 60, equalising it with that for men, over a ten-year period.
10. Public Houses: Pubs in England are permitted to remain open throughout Sunday afternoon for the first time.

Global Events That Happened In 1995

• Launch of Windows 95 – Though not exclusive to the UK, the global launch of Microsoft’s Windows 95 on August 24 had significant cultural and technological impact, with many experiencing this new operating system.
• Nerve Gas Attack in Tokyo (Related to UK) – While not in the UK, the impact of the Aum Shinrikyo cult’s sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in March 1995 was felt globally, including in the UK due to its implications for international security and terrorism.
• Oklahoma City Bombing Reaction – The bombing on April 19, 1995, while in the US, had significant international repercussions, including in the UK, where it was a major news story and increased discussions on domestic terrorism.
• Srebrenica Massacre – Although this event took place in Bosnia, its implications on international law, human rights, and NATO’s involvement were widely discussed in the UK, especially in the context of British peacekeeping forces’ involvement in former Yugoslavia.
• Bosnian War was concluded with a peace agreement known as the Dayton Accords, the full and formal agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995 by Slobodan Milošević, Alija Izetbegović and Franjo Tuđman and witnessed by the UK Prime Minister, Spanish Prime Minister Felipe González, French President Jacques Chirac, US President Bill Clinton, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.

UK Music of 1995

Céline Dion’s “Think Twice” was the first single to reach the UK no. 1 spot (January 1995) to not be available in Vinyl format.

Singles of the year

 The top 5 best selling singles of the year are shown below:

Want to relive 1995 with your loved ones? Check out our 1995 Time to Remember CDcard—perfect for milestone celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.

All the Number one songs of 1995:

Music Albums of the Year 1995

Oasis’ Album ‘What’s the Story, Morning Glory?‘ is released, it has become one of the most successful albums ever.

Singer Cliff Richard receives a Knighthood.

The top 5 best selling albums (excluding compilations) are shown below:

Top UK Movies of 1995

The big earners at the box office were Batman Forever, GoldenEye, Casper, Apollo 13 and Braveheart. Waterworld starring Kevin Costner was released this year, notable for being the most expensive film ever produced at the time, it received mixed reviews at the time and was not a box office hit.

These are some of the blockbusters from the year, check imdb’s best films of 1995 for a comprehensive list.

Science & Technology of 1995 in the UK

• The UK had run out of phone numbers so on 16th April 1995 (called phONEday) all UK landlines that started with zero had a one inserted to start 01 vastly increasing the available number range.
• Sizewell B nuclear power station starts producing power for consumption ff the national grid.
• The MG brand is resurrected by the Rover Group with the launch of the MGF sports car.
• The European Space Agency’s launch the Infrared Space Observatory including a Long Wave Spectrometer built in the UK
• The population of the UK begin to connect to the internet, with an estimate of 1% connected in 1995 including schools and colleges.

Sports of 1995

• Royal Athlete won the Grand National at Aintree.
• Steven Hendry scored the maximum break of 147 on television for the first time, being only the 3rd 147 break in 19 years of world snooker at the Crucible theatre, Sheffield.
• Steffi Graff won the Ladies Singles and Pete Sampras won the Mans Singles title at Wimbledon
• Jonathan Edwards of Great Britain won the Gold Medal when he set a triple jump world record of 18.29m at the World Track & Field Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, a feat that has still not been beaten in 2025.
• Frank Bruno wins the WBC World Heavyweight Boxing Title.
• George Graham is sacked as Arsenal Manager over illicit payments in the transfer market.
• Everton win the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Man United.

UK Television of the Year 1995

• Sky One begins 24 hour broadcasting filling overnight hours with their Hit Mix Long Play program.
• An estimated 22.78 million watch the Princess Diana interview, an all-time record for a British current affairs programme.
• Mr and Mrs celebrate their 30th Anniversary of broadcast, the show will end production in 1998.
• BBC World Service Television transformed to the BBC Word Service.
•  Martine McCutcheon makes her EastEnders debut as Tiffany.
• Roy Cropper, Café Owner (played by David Neilson) made his first appearance in the ITV drama ‘Coronation Street’ as Bet Lynch (played by Julie Goodyear) makes her final regular appearance in the soap.
• Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited is awarded the licence to launch Channel 5.
• The US medical drama series ER makes its UK debut on Channel 4.
• The 10th anniversary of the launch of EastEnders is celebrated by rerunning the first 25 episodes on morning TV.
• Channel 4 airs the first episode of the Irish sitcom Father Ted.
• US sitcom Friends makes its UK debut on Channel 4.
• The US/Canadian police comedy drama Due South debuts on BBC1.
•  Rainbow, the children’s show is broadcast for the final time.
• Darts-based game show Bullseye presented by Jim Bowen is broadcast for the last time on ITV after a 14 year run. It is later resurrected.
• Hollyoaks is broadcast on Channel 4 for the 1st time and celebrates it’s 30th Anniversary in 2025.
•  ITV airs the 2,000th episode of Emmerdale (Farm.)
• The final episode of the sitcom Keeping Up Appearances is broadcast on Christmas Day on BBC1.
• The sports-themed comedy panel show ‘They Think It’s All Over’ premiers on BBC1, presented by Nick Hancock.

Interesting Facts and Figures about 1995

Queen Elizabeth II was monarch.

John Major (Conservative) was Prime Minister.

Best Video Games of 1995

Symbol of 1995 Chinese Zodiac

1995 was the Year of the Pig

Births, Deaths, and Marriages in 1995

Births

There were a total of 648,138 births in the UK in 1995, some of the celebrity or prominent figures are show below:

• Dua Lipa, singer and songwriter.
• Lucy Fallon, actress (Bethany Platt, Coronation Street)
• Eros Vlahos, actor (Lommy Greenhands in Game of Thrones)
• Ashleigh Butler, dog trainer (winner of 2012’s Britain’s got talent with Pudsey the dog)
• Luke Humphries, darts player, winner of 2024 World Championship aka Cool hand Luke.
• Dina Asher-Smith, athlete.
• Alex Lawther, actor (played young Alan Turing in the Imitation Game)
• Gen Kitchen, Politician (Labour)
• Jack Grealish, footballer (Man City & England)
• Beth Mead, footballer (Arsenal & England)
• Luke Shaw, footballer (Man Utd. & England)
• Wesley Burns, footballer (Ipswich Town & Wales)
• Fox Jackson-Keen, actor, singer, dancer (Billy in Stage play of Billy Elliot)
• Charlotte Jordan, actress (Daisy Midgeley , Coronation Street)
• Beckii Cruel, YouTuber
• Jake Dennis, racing driver (Formula E)
• Behzinga (Ethan Leigh Payne) YouTuber
• Georgie Henley, actress (Lucy in the Chronicles of Narnia)

Deaths

• Peter Cook, comedian, died aged 58 years
• Yitzhak Rabin, Israeli Prime Minister, assassinated at a peace rally, aged 74 years.
• Kenny Everett, radio DJ, TV personality and comedian, aged 50 years.
• Marti Caine, entertainer, aged 50 years.
• Fred Perry, Tennis Legend, aged 85 years.
• Harold Wilson, former Prime Minister, dies of cancer aged 70 years.
• Sir Alec Douglas-Home, former Prime Minister. aged 92 years.

Marriages in the Year 1995

A total of 283,012 marriages took place in the UK in 1995, some of the celebrity or prominent figures who wed this year are show below:

• Ewan McGregor, actor marries Eve Mavrakis, production designer. They divorce in 2020.
• Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist, marries Elaine Mason, nurse. They divorce in 2007.
• Brian Wilson, musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the Beach Boys marries Melinda Ledbetter. Brian was widowed in 2024.
• Roseanne Barr, marries her Bodyguard, Ben Thomas. They divorce 7 years later.
• Pamela Anderson, actress weds Tommy Lee, musician. They divorce 3 years later.
• Lisa Kudrow, actress marries Michel Stern, advertising exec. They are still married.
• Mick Fleetwood, musician, marries Lynn Frankel, they divorce in 2015.
• Michael Schumacher, F1 Racing Driver, marries Corinna Betsch, equestrian. They are still married.
• Steve Carell, actor and comedian, marries Nancy Walls, actor and comedian. They are still married.

Anniversaries in 1995

• 50th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day was celebrated culminating with events at Buckingham Palace.
• 75th Anniversary of the first comic strip adventure of Rupert Bear being published.
• Chelsea F.C. celebrated their 90th Anniversary, Formed in 1905, their home ground has always been at Stamford Bridge.
• 200th Anniversary of the birth of John Keats. A world renowned English Romantic Poet.
• 150th Anniversary of the founding of Surrey County Cricket Club. Their home ground has always been ‘The Oval’ in Kennington, South London.
• 35th Anniversary of the ITV soap Coronation Street being broadcast.
• 10th Anniversary of the BBC soap EastEnders was commemorated.
• Cadbury Dairy Milk celebrated it’s 90th Anniversary of production, first made in June 1905 it’s slogan of “glass and a half” has existed since 1928.
• BBC’s Tomorrow World Program celebrated its 30th year of programming by looking ahead 30 years to 2025!

UK Fashion of the year 1995

In 1995, UK fashion was characterised by a blend of minimalist designs, grunge influences, and a resurgence of 1970s styles. This period marked a shift towards more casual and individualistic expressions in clothing.

Key Trends:

• Minimalism: The mid-1990s saw a move towards minimalist fashion, with simple slip dresses epitomising this trend. These dresses were often worn alone or layered over white t-shirts for a casual daytime look. Fashion History
• Grunge Influence: Originating from the Seattle music scene, grunge fashion became mainstream in the UK. This style featured flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots, reflecting a dishevelled, charity-shop aesthetic. Blue17
• Revival of 1970s Styles: There was a notable resurgence of 1970s fashion elements, including bell-bottom jeans and bohemian-inspired clothing. This revival brought a nostalgic yet modern twist to mid-90s fashion. Fashion History
• Britpop Fashion: The Britpop music movement influenced fashion with a casual, pedestrian style. This included parkas, soccer jerseys, and Adidas sneakers, reflecting the working-class youth culture of the time. GQ

Notable Designers and Collections:

• Alexander McQueen: In 1995, McQueen’s designs, such as the “bumster” trousers, gained attention for their provocative nature, contributing to the era’s fashion landscape. Wikipedia
• Catherine Rayner: Rayner’s beaded ivory silk satin wedding dress was recognised as the Dress of the Year in 1995, highlighting the period’s appreciation for intricate craftsmanship. Wikipedia

Cultural Impact:

The fashion of 1995 mirrored the cultural shifts of the time, embracing both rebellion and nostalgia. The minimalist and grunge styles reflected a move away from the excesses of the 1980s, while the revival of past trends showcased a cyclical nature in fashion preferences.

UK Cost of Living in the year 1995

Economically, the UK was emerging from the early 1990s recession, leading to a period of growth and stability.

Cost of Living Today

Fast forward to today, the UK faces different economic challenges. While average incomes have risen, so have the costs of essential goods and services. Housing, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in costs, outpacing the growth in wages for many.

Reflecting on 1995:

1995 was a year of transformation and contrasts in the UK. From political scandals to groundbreaking technological advancements, it marked a turning point in how we lived, worked, and connected with the world.

The year brought moments of triumph, such as Jonathan Edwards’ record-breaking triple jump, the internet’s budding adoption, and the electrifying release of Oasis’ What’s the Story, Morning Glory?. At the same time, it saw the fall of Barings Bank, the tragic revelations surrounding Fred and Rosemary West, and a drought that tested the resilience of millions of households.

In many ways, 1995 was a year that showcased the UK’s adaptability and ability to learn from both success and adversity. Technological milestones like the introduction of Windows 95 and the UK’s phONEday were early indicators of a digitally connected future. On the cultural front, television gems like Friends and Father Ted became household staples, while music and fashion trends captured the spirit of an evolving generation.

As we look back many years later, the events of 1995 continue to resonate. They remind us of the challenges we’ve overcome, the cultural moments we’ve cherished, and the progress we’ve made in shaping a more connected and diverse society.

Pros and Cons of 1995’s Developments

Pros:

• Technological Breakthroughs: The widespread adoption of the internet and the launch of Windows 95 laid the foundation for the digital age, revolutionizing how people worked and communicated.
• Cultural Milestones: The release of What’s the Story, Morning Glory? by Oasis and the debut of iconic TV shows like Friends and Father Ted enriched the UK’s cultural tapestry.
• Sporting Achievements: Jonathan Edwards’ world record and Frank Bruno’s heavyweight title win highlighted British excellence on the global stage.
• Social Progress: The passing of the Pensions Act began addressing gender disparities in retirement age, promoting greater equality.
• Economic Growth: As the UK recovered from the early ’90s recession, the mid-1990s marked a period of increased economic stability and opportunities.

Cons:

• High-Profile Scandals: Events like the collapse of Barings Bank and the Fred and Rosemary West case brought widespread shock and highlighted systemic and social failings.
• Environmental Challenges: The summer drought tested the nation’s water infrastructure and underscored the growing importance of environmental management.
• Global Turmoil: International events like the Bosnian War and the Oklahoma City bombing served as stark reminders of global unrest, with significant implications for the UK’s foreign policy and domestic security.
• Economic Disparities: While economic growth was on the rise, not all communities benefited equally, and challenges like unemployment and regional inequality persisted.

Gift Ideas for 1995

From iconic interviews to groundbreaking technology, 1995 was a pivotal year for the UK. As we celebrate its 30th anniversary, we are reminded of how these events shaped our present and continue to inspire our future. What’s your most memorable moment from 1995?