1971
News
- The Broadcast receiver licence was abolished for radios.
- Rolls-Royce went bankrupt and was nationalised.
- Britain began new negotiations for EEC membership in Luxembourg.
- The final section of London Underground’s Victoria line, from Victoria to Brixton, was opened by Princess Alexandra.
- The pre-decimal penny and threepence ceased to be legal tender.
Entertainment
- The children’s show Blue Peter buried a time capsule in the grounds of BBC Television Centre, due to be opened on the first episode of the year 2000.
- The television music show The Old Grey Whistle Test was aired for the first time on BBC 2.
- The seventh James Bond film – Diamonds Are Forever – was released. Sean Connery, who appeared in the first five films before being succeeded by George Lazenby for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969, returned to the role for one final appearance in the official series of films.
- After nearly three months, the ITV Colour Strike ends and programmes resume being made in colour.
- The Two Ronnies debuts on BBC1.
Music
- Arsenal won the FA Cup final with a 2–1 win over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. Eddie Kelly became the first substitute to score in an FA Cup final, and it was only the second time this century (and the fourth time ever) that an English team has completed the double of the Football League First Division and the FA Cup.
- Chelsea F.C., last year’s FA Cup winners, won the European Cup Winners’ Cup with a 2–1 win over Real Madrid of Spain in Athens, Greece.
Number #1 Hits of 1971
| Artist | Title |
| Clive Dunn | Grandad |
| George Harrison | My Sweet Lord |
| Mungo Jerry | Baby Jump |
| T. Rex | Hot Love |
| Dave & Ansil Collins | Double Barrel |
| Dawn | Knock Three Times |
| Middle Of The Road | Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep |
| T. Rex | Get It On |
| Diana Ross | I’m Still Waiting |
| The Tams | Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me |
| Rod Stewart | Maggie May |
| Slade | Cos I Luv You |
| Benny Hill | Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West) |
Sport
- Arsenal won the FA Cup final with a 2–1 win over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. Eddie Kelly became the first substitute to score in an FA Cup final, and it was only the second time this century (and the fourth time ever) that an English team has completed the double of the Football League First Division and the FA Cup.
- Chelsea F.C., last year’s FA Cup winners, won the European Cup Winners’ Cup with a 2–1 win over Real Madrid of Spain in Athens, Greece.
