Newcastle in 2004: 10 archive photographs recalling scenes around the city 20 years ago

The final credits were ready to roll at Newcastle’s Warner Bros cinema in April 2004.

The Chronicle reported: “Tyneside’s first multi-screen complex will close next week. It will be demolished and a £60m expansion by Northumbria University campus will take its place. The cinema’s closure will cost 34 jobs.”

Warner Bros’ lifespan had been relatively short. Located in the Manors area of the city, the complex was officially opened in December 1989 by Kylie Minogue, pop princess and star of the Australian TV soap series, Neighbours. At a time when older cinemas were struggling, Warners hoped its state-of-the-art multiplex would pull in the punters. In the event it lasted just 15 years.

• Read More: Then and Now: Newcastle's Gallowgate Coach Station in 1975 - and the scene today
• Don't miss out on our nostalgia stories and historical pictures from the North East with our free newsletter

Our photograph is one of 10 pulled from the ChronicleLive archive which recall scenes around Newcastle 20 years ago. At St James’ Park, Alan Shearer was celebrating yet another goal for Newcastle United - this time against Dinamo Tbilisi in the UEFA Cup, during what was a relatively successful period for the Magpies under the experienced guidance of manager Sir Bobby Robson. In the Bigg Market, the underground public toilets which had offered relief to Geordie gentlemen since the late 19th century were closed and up for sale. In future years they would be transformed into a trendy bar called WC Newcastle. Meanwhile, over at Newcastle Arena, 1980s pop favourites Duran Duran, featuring North Tyneside-born guitarist Andy Taylor, were performing a sold-out show.

In the wider world 20 years ago, a new social networking site called Facebook was launched by students at Harvard University; fox hunting was outlawed in the UK; there were celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day; and the Olympic Games took place in the Greek capital of Athens.

Some of the biggest-grossing films released in 2004 included Shrek 2, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Spider-Man 2, The Incredibles and The Day After Tomorrow. There were debuts on UK television for Strictly Come Dancing, Live At The Apollo, The X Factor, Shameless and Who Do You Think You Are? And for pop music fans this week 20 years ago, among those riding high in the UK singles charts were Peter Andre with Mysterious Girl, Britney Spears with Toxic, and Anastacia with Left Outside Alone.

Check out our 10 photographs recalling some of what was going on around Newcastle in 2004.