Blackpool's Illuminations switch-on has been hailed as the best ever by leading figures in the town.

Around 35,000 people packed the arena and surrounding streets as an array of stars helped launch the ten-week show of light.

Dr Who, actor David Tennant, flicked the switch to light-up the town, despite an attempt from a dalek to scupper the moment.

The resort's director of tourism Jane Seddon hailed a fantastic weekend: "It was a massive crowd and people came from all over the UK to enjoy the whole weekend. It was a great success."

The weekend's entertainment also included a parade of Honda Goldwing motorbikes and Russell Brand performing his Radio Two show live from an ice cream van on Saturday. The first heat of the World Fireworks Championship was held on Sunday.

Mayor of Blackpool, Coun Robert Wynne, said: "It was the best switch-on I've ever attended, it was well staged and the publicity was great. It should launch an excellent Illuminations season, and while other towns are quiet, we will be hitting our busiest period."

The 18,000-strong crowd squeezed into the arena on Friday night were treated to a free concert starring McFly, Natalie Imbruglia, Natasha Bedingfield, The Ghosts and Gareth Gates.

Council leader Peter Callow said: "I can't remember a more successful switch-on, it was a universal success.

"The team pulled out a great effort in securing David Tennant as an early switch-on star, and it was great to see the locals there, as this event is as much for them as it is for tourists."

Coun Callow also revealed plans to relocate the switch-on ceremony from the Central car park site to the headland opposite the Tower in two years.

He said: "We know that Central car park is not ideal for the switch-on, but we have to have it there at the moment for health and safety reasons.

"The plan to move it in two years time to the Tower headland will accommodate 20,000 people, and will allow people to see the lights when they come on as well."