BBC documentary to look at life in Sheffield during the swinging '˜60s

A BBC documentary examining what life was like in Sheffield in 1966, during a period of cultural and social change for the city, is set to be broadcast next week.
Kaye MellorKaye Mellor
Kaye Mellor

Using archive footage and interviews with local people, television writer Kay Mellor will take viewers through a whistlestop tour of some of Sheffield’s most interesting sights during swinging 1966.

Entitled Living in ’66 - Suits, Boots & Northern Roots the documentary is one of 11 being broadcast across different parts of the country, all with the same aim of showing what the 1960s were really like, beyond the famous fashion, music and football of the decade. Stuart Thomas, Head of English Regions Programmes, said: “It was a time for change, and it’s fascinating to see the transformation that was happening to many inner city areas at the time, and how big leaps in transport and education were making the world more accessible to more people.”

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During the documentary Kay visits 555 Pitsmoor Road, once home to Peter Stringfellow’s iconic King Mojo Club. We also hear from friends Kath Shelton, John Mullins and Michael Bell about the new experience the club offered young people at the time, including seeing The Who live on stage there in May 1966.

The documentary also looks at 60s architecture and city centre renewal, focusing on the Arts Tower opened by the Queen Mother in 1966 to tower above the city for decades to come.

Living in ’66 - Suits, Boots & Northern Roots will be broadcast on BBC One on June 1 at 7,30pm.