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The 60s

A family gives up their 21st-century technology and travels back in time. As they enter the 60s, there's more fun to be had - a trip to the seaside and a Mini to enjoy.

Like many modern families, the Ashby-Hawkins home is stuffed full of tablets, computers, phones and gadgets to distract them in their spare time. But for one summer, they agreed to give up all their 21st-century technology and travel back in time to discover the radical transformation of our leisure time since 1950.

The family's own home becomes their time machine as they are transported back to a different decade each week. Guided by presenters Giles Coren and social historian Polly Russell, the family's entire experience is underpinned by the Family Expenditure Survey, a government study which ran from the 50s right through to 1999. The survey's detailed spending records give us the best possible clue as to what families were doing with their leisure time across the five decades.

As they enter the 60s, they get first-hand experience of the radical spirit of the age as Giles encourages the family to get rid of their piano in smashing 60s style. With a bit more money to go around, there's more fun to be had - a trip to the seaside, a Dansette record player for Daisy and even their own Mini to enjoy.

Special guests help the decade go with a swing. Sir Trevor Brooking joins dad Rob and son Seth for a game of Subbuteo in the dining room, proving that he's a demon on felt as well as grass. Daisy and mum Steph meet Sandie Shaw to discover how the decade's daring fashions reflected the growing freedoms and confidence enjoyed by young people.

59 minutes

Last on

Tue 9 Jun 2020 19:00

Clips

Music Played

  • Johnny Kidd and the Pirates

    Shakin All Over

  • The Shadows

    Apache

  • Ray Charles

    Hit The Road Jack (feat. The Raelettes)

  • Cliff Richard & The Shadows

    Summer Holiday

  • Chubby Checker

    Lets Twist Again

  • Acker Bilk

    Stranger On The Shore

  • The Searchers

    Sweets For My Sweet

  • Gerry and the Pacemakers

    I Like It

  • Offside

    Match Of The Day

  • Barry Stoller

    Match of the Day

  • Tom Jones

    It's Not Unusual

  • The Ventures

    Walk Don't Run

  • Tom Jones

    Green, Green Grass of Home

  • Sandie Shaw

    Puppet on a String

  • The Jimi Hendrix Experience

    All Along The Watchtower

  • Manfred Mann

    5-4-3-2-1

  • David Bowie

    Space Oddity

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Giles Coren
Expert Polly Russell
Executive Producer Emily Shields
Series Producer Nancy Bornat
Director Kim Maddever
Producer Laura Ellings
Production Company Wall to Wall Media

Broadcasts

Back in Time...

Back in Time...

Families travel back in time to experience how food, leisure and society has transformed.