A GALAXY of stars lit up the stage and thousands of coloured bulbs shone into the night on Friday night (September 3) as pop star Gary Barlow pulled the big switch to bring Blackpool illuminations to life for the last time this century.

A crowd estimated at 40,000 - the biggest ever according to one Town Hall observer - packed Talbot Square and the Promenade to watch a live Radio 2 broadcast hosted by Terry Wogan.

There were songs from Martine McCutcheon, Boy George, Mike and the Mechanics and Right Said Fred, bumper crowds lined the streets around Talbot Square to witness the last light up before the Millennium.

Gary was Stronger, a blonde-maned Martine had a Perfect Moment and cheeky Richard Fairbrass showed he was just Too Sexy for his shirt as he went bare-chested in Blackpool.

And a sparkling Boy George decked in feather boa and jaunty hat was a touch confused by his seaside resorts as he shouted "Hello Brighton" - but nobody seemed to mind.

Presenter Wogan admitted that he had flicked the big switch in 1978 squeezed between 77's Red Rum and the Muppets in 79.

And he was quick to point out that he didn't have to be followed around with a bucket.

Sponsored by Norweb Energi, this year's illuminations combine old favourites such as the captivating carousel at Gynn Square and tableaux of Ancient Egypt with new faces including aliens in spaceships and dancing redskins.

They are set to shine non-stop for 66 nights and stretch almost six miles.

More than eight million visitors enjoyed the extravaganza last year and this year is also set to go with a bang.

The Blackpool World Firework Championships will be held on four consecutive Sundays beginning September 19.

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