1964: The Year the Swinging Sixties Began

Step back in time to 1964, a year of cultural upheaval and political transformation. From the rise of the Civil Rights movement in the United States to the global phenomenon of Beatlemania, this was the year that gave us bold fashion, unforgettable music and social change that continues to shape society across the world today.

While Britains new Labour government promised the white heat of technology, on the world stage 1964 saw the escalation of the Vietnam War, Nelson Mandelas sentence to life imprisonment and the continued brinkmanship of the global arms race. Brand-new subcultures clashed at Margate beach, where thousands of Mods and Rockers fought over their differing values, while Londons Carnaby Street shone vibrantly in the countrys capital and women flocked to Mary Quants iconic designs, empowered by changing social sensibilities and rising hemlines.

In this captivating blend of historical events, cultural trends and personal anecdotes, Christopher Sandford tells the full and colourful story of the year that ushered in the modern era.