John Virgo won the championship, in his only major tournament win, by defeating Terry Griffiths 14–13 in the final, despite being deducted two frames for arriving late.

The 1979 UK Championship was a professional non-ranking event held between 19 November and 1 December 1979 at the Preston Guild Hall, England.

[2] Ray Reardon did not compete at the event, having signed a sponsorship contract with General Motors to only play in specific tournaments and exhibitions.

Future six-time world champion Steve Davis made his debut in the competition and defeated John Dunning 9–3.

[3] Another future world champion Joe Johnson also made his debut in the competition, playing his third professional tournament, but lost 3–9 to Bill Werbeniuk.

Having won the 1979 World Snooker Championship earlier that year, Terry Griffiths defeated Cliff Wilson 9–4.

In frame 16, Virgo had the chance to win, and Davis accidentally dropped his cue, making a loud sound.

[5] Despite having lost heavily at the world championships (12–19), Virgo defeated Taylor 9–4 to reach his only major final.

The match was held over three sessions, with two on the first day and the final on the second, between John Virgo and world champion Terry Griffiths.

With the final being live on national television, the match was moved from the regular 1:45 p.m. start time to 12 noon.

[5][4] During the interval, Griffiths approached Virgo and offered half of the prize money for the event, apologetic at the situation of having frames awarded.