A fresh wave of rock music stormed the charts; the miniskirt and other bold style statements shook up the fashion scene; and the pill ushered in a new era of sexual liberation.
But while the 60s marked the start of the financial boom that followed years of austerity, many households continued to experience post-war privations well into the decade.
These photos capture life as it really was back then for people in and around Leeds.
They show how different the streets looked in the 60s, including many of the lost landmarks only citizens of a certain age will remember.
Schofields department store, the Empire theatre, and the open-air swimming pool at Roundhay Park are among the much-missed city institutions pictured.
Modern trends and new high-rise developments sit alongside age-old traditions in this retro photo gallery, which captures couples sweeping gracefully across the ballroom, players deep in concentration at the bingo hall, and the popular Easter pastime of egg rolling, or ‘jarping’.
These nostalgic black-and-white images also show the broad spectrum of life around Leeds at the time, from the majesty of the Imperial Hotel, pictured during its final days, to the everyday sight of refuse collectors on their daily rounds.
Do these photos bring back any memories for you, and which lost landmarks do you miss most?
31. Binmen
Refuse collectors from the City of Leeds Cleansing Department empty bins in January 1960 | YPN
32. Flooding
A lorry splashes its way past a car in Burley in Wharfedale in March 1960 | YPN
33. Nighttime view
Lights reflect in the River Aire, seen at night from Leeds Bridge in November 1960 | YPN
34. Rare vintage
Harry Joseph, managing director of England's oldest music hall, City Varieties, in Leeds, is pictured in November 1960 holding a rare Napoleon brandy of 1811 vintage | YPN
35. Can they cut it?
Trainee hairdressers at the Government Training Centre, on Dewsbury Road, Leeds, in September 1960 | YPN
36. Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel, Leeds, pictured in 1960, ahead of its demolition | YPN