The big films of the year were Grease, Superman, Jaws II and The Deer Hunter, with the latter winning the best picture Oscar.
In music the big singles were Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees, You’re the One That I Want by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and YMCA by The Village People. The Christmas number one was Mary’s Boy Child by Boney M.
On television, Grange Hill and Blake’s 7 made their debuts, and the drama series Pennies From Heaven first aired.
Notable births included Spiderman actor James Franco, rock band Interpol’s frontman Paul Banks, glamour model, author and horse rider Jordan and footballer Frank Lampard.
Notable deaths included Pope Paul VI, The Who drummer Keith Moon and Winston Churchill’s former bodyguard, Walter H Thompson.
1978 Star Fact: On January 18, the European Court of Human Rights found the UK Government guilty of mistreating prisoners in Northern Ireland, but not guilty of torture.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here