THE 1950s was a time of great change.

War rationing had come to an end, the NHS was born and the country had a new Queen.

For the first time in more than a decade, the country was on the up. All today’s photographs come from the mid 1950s.

We love today’s main image which shows a joyous birthday celebration. By the looks of the assorted photographs on the wall the shot has been taken backstage at a theatre.

If you recognise any of the people pictured then please get in touch.

The decade’s must have gadget was the TV and the scene (bottom left) would have brought much excitement.

Few could afford early TVs and for a neighbour to buy one would have been a big deal. For many growing up in the 1950s their earliest memory of watching TV would have been the coronation of Queen Elizabeth which was broadcast from Westminster Abbey in 1953.

Also causing great excitement in Brighton in the 1950s were the Brighton Tigers hockey team.

At its peak, ice hockey was as big as football in Brighton and the players were celebrities.

Game night was on a Thursday when thousands would turn up at the Sports Stadium in West Street.

But can you identify this Tigers star receiving a trophy?

The late 1950s also saw the development of the Mod subculture and soon the city was full of Vespas like this one above. The gentleman pictured is showing off an early model alongside his female companion.

The 1950s was also a time of changing fashions and our archive is full of ladies showing off the latest styles.

These young women are pictured in the latest coats as well as sporting the latest hair styles. Do you recognise any of them? Get in touch if you can help.