Student protests, a famous East Anglian derby match at Portman Road and giants on the Cornhill all feature in this week’s Throwback Thursday from February 1998.

Ipswich Star: Protesters march through Ipswich town centre in opposition against increased student tuition feesProtesters march through Ipswich town centre in opposition against increased student tuition fees

We kick off this week’s Throwback Thursday gallery with a protest against incoming tuition fees that were about to be passed into law.

Ipswich Star: Alex Mathie celebrates his first goal of a hat-trick against Norwich in the famous 5-0 win back in 1998Alex Mathie celebrates his first goal of a hat-trick against Norwich in the famous 5-0 win back in 1998 (Image: Archant)

Students due to start university in the autumn term would have been the first to pay the fees and were among the ranks in the march.

Ipswich Star: Celebrations after Ipswich Town's 5-0 win over Norwich in February 1998Celebrations after Ipswich Town's 5-0 win over Norwich in February 1998

February 1998 also played host to one of the most famous East Anglian derby days thanks to Alex Mathie.

Ipswich Star: Damage was caused to facilities around the Portman Road stadium after Ipswich beat Norwich 5-0 in the derbyDamage was caused to facilities around the Portman Road stadium after Ipswich beat Norwich 5-0 in the derby

The infamous derby finished with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Norwich City at Portman Road - although some chaos among the celebrations led to facilities being damaged around Ipswich’s home ground.

Ipswich Star: Students at Holywells High School learn about the bad effects smoking can haveStudents at Holywells High School learn about the bad effects smoking can have

Students at Holywells High School got a first hand look at the effects of smoking when, in their science class, a piece of equipment was set up to show the negative effects it can have.

Ipswich Star: Giants descend on the Cornhill for Valentine's DayGiants descend on the Cornhill for Valentine's Day

Finally, February 1998 saw giants descend on the town’s Cornhill for a fun fair to mark Valentine’s Day.

To share your own pictures and memories with us from February 1998, or to name someone pictured in this gallery, email our picture desk.