These photos tell the story of a decade which gave us Britpop and the Spice Girls, and witnessed the downfall of Margaret Thatcher and the rise of New Labour.
The evocative images capture some of the major events of the 1990s, the decade’s biggest trends, from fashion to TV, and its defining characters.
What are your happiest memories of the 90s, and which bits are you glad we’ve left behind?
Do you have retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at www.yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
13. Tamagotchi craze
Actual pets experienced pangs of jealousy as children went loopy for the pocket-sized cyber pets Tamagotchis. The craze didn't last long, as people soon realised they were no replacement for the real thing. Hilary Ruane is pictured here in 1997 with her son's Tamagotchi, which she was roped into 'pet-sitting' as they required regular attention. Other tech crazes of the 90s included playing Snake on your Nokia 6110. | National World Photo: Gary Brunskill
14. Harry Potter magic enchants children
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released in June 1997 and the world soon fell under the spell of the boy wizard with the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. The fantasy world created by J. K. Rowling would become one of the biggest publishing phenomena of all time. She is pictured here with comedy great Michael Palin after winning the overall prize in the 1998 Sheffield Children's Book Award. | National World Photo: National World