Wembley Stadium has hosted some of the biggest moments in British sporting and cultural history, but for people living nearby, their memories extend far beyond cup finals and major concerts.
Harrow Online asked readers to share their best memories of Wembley, whether they involved football, music, boxing, or another special occasion at our nations home stadium.
The responses included memories of the famous Twin Towers, Wembley Market, working behind the scenes and watching some of the world’s biggest stars perform.
Football history at Wembley
For Toby Jackson, nothing could surpass the events of 1966.
He said: “1966, undoubtedly. It is hard to top my team, Wealdstone, winning the Amateur Cup and then returning to see my country win the World Cup.”
Wealdstone defeated Hendon in the 1966 FA Amateur Cup final before England famously beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the World Cup final later that year.
Another supporter, Philippa Plucknett, remembered several major footballing moments.
She said: “I can just remember the 1966 World Cup win, as I was almost four. I also remember the 1987 Spurs versus Coventry game, which Spurs lost, many England games, and the 1991 FA Cup semi-final where Gazza scored that goal and Spurs won. They also beat Forest in the final.”
Paul Gascoigne’s free-kick against Arsenal in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final remains one of Wembley’s most memorable goals.
Stephen Overy recalled Arsenal’s dramatic 1979 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United, describing Alan Sunderland’s late goal, which made the score 3-2, as his standout memory.
More recently, Milen Ivanov remembered watching Wealdstone return to Wembley for the 2026 FA Trophy final, 41 years after the club completed a famous non-league double at the old stadium in 1985. Wealdstone were beaten by Southend United on penalties in the 2026 final.
Working behind the scenes
Some readers experienced Wembley from a completely different perspective.
Former police officer Kevin Gould said: “I worked as a police officer in the 1980s and was stationed at Wealdstone, but I policed many matches at the stadium.
“As a young lad from the North East, I remember the first time I walked onto and across the pitch, plucking a few blades of grass. I loved working at any match. As a sports fan, it was a dream come true.”
Anita Ribeiro worked at Wembley while she was at college and recalled serving several famous faces.
She said: “Working at the stadium while at college meant getting to see loads of concerts and football for free.
“I had passes to access the Long Bar, where I served lots of well-known names, from giving Adam Woodyatt, also known as Ian Beale from EastEnders, a jacket potato, to serving Diego Maradona a Bacardi and Coke. They were the best times and memories ever.”
Graeme Edmonds worked in Wembley’s greyhound kennels, which were located close to the stadium.
He said: “I worked at Wembley in the greyhound kennels, which were just to the left of the stadium as you walked up Olympic Way.
“We used to get into events for free and received complimentary tickets for events at the stadium or Empire Pool. They were great days with many memories.”
Brett Lake-Benson recalled working on the food and drink stalls through his school before being able to watch some of music’s biggest names.
He said: “I worked on the food and drink stalls on the early shift, organised by my school, and then got to see David Bowie, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and a bunch of others afterwards.
“I also worked at Wembley Market between the ages of 14 and 17. They were great times.”
Live Aid, Michael Jackson and unforgettable concerts
Wembley’s reputation as a world-famous music venue was reflected in dozens of responses.
The original stadium hosted Live Aid in July 1985, alongside concerts by Queen, Michael Jackson, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and many other major artists. Wembley Stadium describes Live Aid as the event that helped cement the venue’s status as a global music destination.
Heidi Harris said: “I saw Bon Jovi play the last concert at the old Wembley and then saw them play at the new Wembley.
“At the old stadium, I also saw Michael Jackson and Guns N’ Roses. I remember my uncle going to watch Watford play in the 1984 cup final, but unfortunately Watford lost.”
Carl Pax Major also attended Bon Jovi’s final concert at the original stadium.
He said: “One of my first concerts was Aerosmith’s Toxic Twin Towers Ball, which influenced the rest of my life.
“I also went to the very last concert before demolition, Bon Jovi. I have been to England games, NFL games and a few other gigs. It was handy being close by.”
Natalie Saunders remembered seeing Michael Jackson during three different eras of his career, writing: “Michael Jackson — Bad, Dangerous and HIStory. I also remember Sunday Market with my family.”
Michael Jackson performed repeatedly at the old Wembley Stadium during his Bad, Dangerous and HIStory tours, including seven sold-out concerts during the Bad tour in 1988.
Johanna Dookie recalled attending Wham!’s final concert in 1986 and George Michael’s 25 Live show at the new stadium in 2007.
Leila Singh also remembered George Michael performing at the new Wembley, alongside family trips to the market.
She said: “Wembley Market with my parents on a Sunday morning, and George Michael being the first artist to perform at the new stadium in 2007.”
Wembley Market, speedway and the Twin Towers
Although Wembley is best known internationally for football and music, the Sunday market was mentioned more frequently than almost any single match or concert.
Kim Randall said: “The Sunday market. I learned to drive with my dad, going backwards and forwards every Sunday for 1970s flares and smock tops.”
Joyce Poltock said growing up in Wembley provided her with a lifetime of memories.
She said: “I was very lucky growing up in Wembley. The stadium had a lot to offer then.
“There was the Sunday market, greyhound racing and one of my favourites, speedway, which my parents belonged to. I still have my speedway badge, which reminds me of the good old days.
“On cup final days, we children used to run up to the High Road to wave to the Royal Family. Afterwards, we would wave goodbye to them. I also went to many concerts in my teens. They were the good old days.”
Speedway and greyhound racing appeared repeatedly in the responses, with readers remembering the Wembley Lions, trips to the dog track and the distinctive sound of the betting machines.
Others remembered ice skating and the hugely popular pantomimes on ice at the nearby Empire Pool, now known as OVO Arena Wembley. Ice pantomimes began there in 1950 and became an annual attraction.
For many residents, however, the lasting image remains the iconic Twin Towers.
Maureen Ryan-Buckman said: “They should never have demolished the towers. I remember going ice skating there on Saturday mornings in the late 1950s and going to the market on Sundays.”
Anita Jay added: “Definitely the two towers. They should never have got rid of something so iconic.”
The original Wembley Stadium closed in 2000 and was replaced by the current stadium, which opened in 2007. While the new arch has become a landmark in its own right, several residents said nothing could replace the sight of the old Twin Towers.
NOW READ:
Travellers Rest memories flood in as residents react to redevelopment plans
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
