Step back to 1962 and discover a fascinating snapshot of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country at a time of change, confidence and industrial strength. These photographs capture the people, places and moments that shaped the region more than 60 years ago.
From the roaring furnaces of Bilston Steelworks and busy press lines in Willenhall to the opening of new schools, factories and industrial centres, the pictures reveal a region at the heart of Britain's manufacturing might. But alongside the industry are the stories of everyday life that made these communities unique.
You'll find Wolverhampton's Caribbean community celebrating Jamaican Independence at Wulfrun Hall, the centuries-old tradition of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, community gatherings, familiar faces and moments that capture the character of the region in 1962.
Whether these scenes bring back memories or offer a glimpse into a bygone age, this gallery is a celebration of the people, traditions and industries that helped shape Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country. If these photographs spark a memory, we'd love to hear your stories in the comments.
- Explore these 59 nostalgic pictures capturing the workplaces and industries that shaped the Black Country and Staffordshire in the 1980s.
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17. Heading to the picture house for a Saturday matinee
A classic Ford Anglia drives past the distinctive canopy of the Adelphi Cinema on George Street in Lichfield during a damp January day in 1962. Originally built as the Palladium in the 1920s before being renamed, the popular venue served as a favourite entertainment hub for local filmgoers, screening everything from Hollywood blockbusters to weekly newsreels. The building later found a second life as a bingo hall, but this nostalgic snapshot captures it in its picture-house heyday, complete with movie posters and classic early '60s cars parked along the street. Do you remember queueing up outside the Adelphi to catch a film in the 1960s? | Express & Star archive
18. Sprucing up the platforms for a very special royal visitor
Passengers stand beneath the soaring glass roof of Wolverhampton Low Level station as maintenance workers give the platform a fresh lick of paint in May 1962. The Great Western Railway landmark was given a bright and airy spruce-up as part of its regular upkeep, perfectly timed ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's official visit to the town on May 24. With painted ironwork, clean signage pointing to the refreshments room and station master's office, and heavy luggage trolleys waiting along the platform, this classic photograph captures the bustling railway hub at its absolute best. Do you remember being in town for the Queen's royal visit in May 1962, or taking a train from the Low Level station back in its heyday? | Express & Star archive
19. A quick cuppa before serving a meal fit for the Queen
Sisters Lillian Woolley and Louise Palmer pause for a quick, well-earned cup of tea in the busy kitchens of the Civic Hall in May 1962. The duo was part of the hard-working catering team preparing a grand civic luncheon hosted in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her official visit to the town. The grand menu served to the monarch and local dignitaries featured smoked salmon, chicken, and fresh strawberries with cream, making it an unforgettable day for everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes. Did you or anyone in your family help out behind the scenes for the Queen's royal visit back in 1962? | Express & Star archive
20. Fourth time lucky at a lively boat christening!
Champagne sprays dramatically across the bow as a newly launched boat is officially christened at Brownhills in 1962. It took four energetic swings before the stubborn bottle of 1953 vintage champagne finally shattered against the wooden hull, sending foam flying over the boat and delighting the crowd gathered along the canal bank and towpath bridge. Local dignitaries and eager young onlookers cheered on the ceremonial launch, capturing a wonderfully cheerful moment of Black Country community life along the canal. Were you in the crowd watching this lively canal boat launch at Brownhills in 1962? | Express & Star archive