Over half of 2,000 Brits surveyed say there was better music and entertainment in the 90s (Image: Getty)
Britain’s favourite decade has been revealed, but if you think Brits are hankering after the swinging sixties or the naughty noughties, then you are years out.
It turns out the time we miss the most is the one that gave us Cool Britannia, the Spice Girls, Saturday-morning TV, Friends, Blockbuster video nights in and proper nights out – the 1990s. A survey shows the decade before the millennium gained more than a third in a public vote (36%), ahead of the 1980s (27%).
The 1990s gave us the Spice Girls, Oasis and Blur (Image: Getty)
Research shows nostalgic nights out are also surging in popularity with 70% yearning for things to do that help them switch off and get away from smartphones.
Options range from bingo to the big screen, with over half (54%) having recently visited the cinema, amusement arcades (30%) and bowling alleys (27%). Bingo clubs (15%) also feature high on the list of nostalgic pastimes apparently booming in Britain.
The poll of 2,000 Brits, which was conducted by The Bingo Association, found love for the 90s is driven by its reputation as a simpler way of life (51%), better music and entertainment (51%), less time spent on tech and screens (41%) and more face-to-face interaction (40%).
Top of the list of trends Brits thought made the 90s the best decade were: Friends (37%), the Spice Girls (31%), Game Boys (20%) and Saturday morning TV (25%).
Brits also said it felt more affordable for socialising and going out (39%), reminded them of life before smartphones dominated daily routines (37%) and had a stronger sense of community (34%).
Nicole Garrett, Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, said: “As people look to switch off and reconnect, we’re seeing a revival in traditional social activities like bingo that bring people together in a fun, relaxed setting, with younger generations in particular flocking to bingo clubs in search of shared, real-world experiences.”
She said National Bingo Week, between June 22-28, is the perfect opportunity to get involved, offering a chance to step away from scrolling and enjoy a great night out.
The Chief Exec added: “Whether you’re a regular or trying it for the first time, it’s all about big laughs, real connections and the thrill of playing together – with the added excitement of a guaranteed £250,000 prize up for grabs on Sunday, June 28.”
Data from bingo clubs reveals nearly half (45%) of new members are under 35 and seven in 10 (69%) believe bingo is no longer just for older generations.
National Bingo Week will see bingo clubs across the country hosting special sessions and exclusive offers.
The celebrations will culminate in a guaranteed £250,000 jackpot prize up for grabs on June 28 on the National Bingo Game. For more information, visit: https://nationalbingoweek.co.uk/. Local T&Cs apply.
The top nine things people associate with everyday life in the 90s
1. Renting films from video shops – 50%
2. Watching TV together at set times – 42%
3. Calling the house phone to catch up with friends – 35%
4. Recording songs off the radio – 34%
5. Making and sharing mixtapes and CDs – 30%
6. Playing consoles together – 27%
7. Listening to music together – 25%
8. Rave scene and superclubs – 20%
9. Shopping as a social activity – 20%
The top reasons why people thought the 90s was the best decade
1. It was a simpler way of life -51%
2. The music and entertainment were better – 51%
3. People spent less time on technology / screens – 41%
4. It was more sociable and there was more face-to-face interaction – 40%
5. It felt more affordable to socialise and go out – 39%
6. It reminds me of a time before smartphones dominated daily life – 37%
7. There was a stronger sense of community – 34%
8. It felt more authentic and less pressured – 33%
9. There was better night life and going out culture – 31%
10.Social activities felt more meaningful – 31%
The survey of 2,000 UK adults was conducted online and commissioned by Brands2Life on behalf of The Bingo Association. It was conducted by market research company Clariti. Data was collected between May 26 and 28.