And closer to home, all this happened in Sunderland and County Durham.
In the year that Bangles were a hit with Eternal Flame and Kylie and Jason were singing Especially For You, our photographers were capturing all of these scenes.
So take a moment to remind you of Burtons, Bentleys, and much more.
And then get in touch with your own memories.
1. Fancy a cuppa?
Avril Innes (left) and Lesley Kay found the right recipe for success with their enterprising cafe. Who can tell us more? Photo: Sunderland Echo
2. Top of the class
These pupils were top of the class in reading in October 1989. Pictured top, left to right were: Angie Bowey, Castleview; Fiona Parkin, Monkwearmouth; Lisa Charlton and Julie Craig, Houghton Kepier. Bottom row: Christopher Lewis, Castleview and Dawn Winlow, Monkwearmouth. Who can tell us more? Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. Enterprising in Pennywell
Fifteen year old Pennywell School pupil Peter McQuillan got quite a shock to see himself age 60 years in as many minutes during the schools enterprise week in 1989. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Ready for panto
Muriel Harrison dancers who were in the Tyne Theatre panto in October 1989. Pictured are Michelle Gardner, front left with Gemma Graham. Left to right: Melanie Cockton, Karen Scott, Danielle Geraldi, Jane Hockridge, Victoria Hopper. Photo: Sunderland Echo