THE start of a new millennium was marked with joyous celebrations across the UK.
The Millennium Dome in London was officially opened by HM The Queen as the country looked forward to a prosperous future.
However 2000 would go on to be the wettest year on record in the UK as well as one marked by great social unrest.
It was also the end of an era as production of the Ford Escort, one of Britain's most successful and iconic motoring nameplates, finished after 32 years.
Then, as before and now, protests took place across the country with the May Day riot in London by anti-capitalist protestors leaving the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square and the Cenotaph in Whitehall daubed with graffiti.
In the same year protesters block the entrances to oil refineries in protest against high fuel prices.
Panic buying by motorists led to nationwide petrol shortages, with between 75 and 90 per cent of all UK petrol stations closing due to low supplies in the following week.
The national mood was further laid flat as the England national football team crashed out of Euro 2000, jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
Despite beating Germany, England are eliminated in the group stage after two defeats.
Life continued in Powys as ever and the County Times shares a handful of pictures from that year.
Ladywell Green Primary School pupils in Newtown won the art and craft section of the county eisteddfod.
Businessmen enjoying the County Times business breakfast club meeting in the Elephant and Castle in Newtown.
Get Going Gang playscheme at Maesydre School in Welshpool fancy dress winners, Hannah Rushton, Nicky Roberts and Carl Gannon with mayor Sybil Pryce.
Newtown High School head boy and girl with theit deputies. Vanessa Skinner, Rhodri Harris, Rebekah Perkins and David Hamer.
Forden United Football Club in 2000.
Newtown High School pupils who took part in a Swimathon to raise money for Shelter Cymru and Demelza's Romanian orphanage fund.
Welshpool High School pupils enjoy a French breakfast as part of their project on French food. Pictured are Jack Davies, Matt Price and Richard Moore.
Ysgol Bro Ddyfi sixth form held a sponsored bed push for Children in Need.
Welshpool High School Fashion Show. Pictured are Sarah Rowlands and Lois Sheen.
Llanidloes Rubies Dance Troup.
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