Ten years have passed since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016. While the political landscape shifted dramatically, life carried on with its usual mix of entertainment, sports, and cultural moments. This quiz tests your recall of the events that surrounded that historic day, from Andy Murray's tennis triumph to the release of Pokémon GO.
Sports and Sporting Moments
Just four days before the referendum, Andy Murray won the Queen's Club Championships, defeating Milos Raonic in the final. Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson's England team were preparing to face Iceland in the Euro 2016 round of 16, a match that would end in a shocking 2-1 defeat for England. In cricket, England's one-day side was playing Sri Lanka under the captaincy of Eoin Morgan. The Derby-winning horse Harzand was about to complete an English-Irish double after winning the Epsom Derby earlier that month.
Television and Entertainment
Richard Jones amazed audiences on Britain's Got Talent, winning the show just days before the vote. Dara Ó Briain was gearing up to host the revival of Robot Wars, while Chris Evans had recently begun his brief stint as host of Top Gear. BBC One's Casualty was about to air its 1,000th episode. Celebrity MasterChef series 11 kicked off the night before the vote, with Alexis Conran eventually winning the title. Love Island series two was underway, with Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey on their way to victory.
Music and Books
Joe Wicks' cookbook Lean in 15 was flying off the shelves. Rick Astley achieved his first No. 1 album in 29 years with 50. Adele headlined Glastonbury on the Saturday night after the vote, performing to a massive crowd. The BBC announced a new talent show hosted by Graham Norton to cast a musical based on Take That's songs. The Yorkie bar celebrated its 40th birthday that year.
Film and Theatre
The family film The Secret Life of Pets was released on June 24, 2016. The BFG, directed by Steven Spielberg, was about to premiere in UK cinemas. In the West End, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was previewing at the Palace Theatre. Ricky Gervais was set to reprise his role as David Brent in the film David Brent: Life on the Road. Me Before You, starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, was doing well at the box office.
Technology and Other Curiosities
Pokémon GO was three weeks from its UK release, becoming a global phenomenon. A new plastic £5 note had been announced, entering circulation in September 2016. First-class stamps cost 64p at the time. Sainsbury's had started selling prosecco-flavoured lollies. BHS, the beloved high street chain, had only weeks to live before entering administration.
People and Events
Major Tim Peake had returned to Earth after six months on the International Space Station, landing in Kazakhstan. Prince William turned 34 two days before the vote. Among the icons still alive on June 23, 2016, was George Michael, who died later that year. David Bowie, Muhammad Ali, and Victoria Wood had all passed away earlier in 2016. Tom Burke, now known for Strike, was starring in The Musketeers. EastEnders character Bobby Beale had just been sent to a young offenders institution.
How well do you remember the cultural landscape of June 2016? This quiz offers a nostalgic trip back to a time when Brexit was just a vote, and the world of pop culture was as vibrant as ever.
