Who knew that celebrated US film director Tim Burton, best known for quirky fantasy films like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, had a fondness for the northern seaside town of Blackpool?

Well apparently he does. And after filming a movie and a music video in the resort in recent years, he has been given the honour of switching on the famous Blackpool Illuminations – the annual light show that attracts millions of visitors each year.

Tim Burton
(John Shearer/Invision)

The American filmmaker won’t be the first celebrity to flick the switch on the big attraction, however. Since politician Lord Derby started the trend back in 1934, a host of TV favourites, sporting stars and chart-toppers have visited the home of the Tower Ballroom and the Big One to launch the lights.

Here’s a few of the famous faces who have helped illuminate the “Las Vegas of the North” over the years.

1. Jonathan Ross (2013)

Jonathan Ross
(Peter Byrne/PA)

The TV chat show host arrived on the Fylde coast and was joined by Gary Barlow, who played a special set on Blackpool Promenade.

Gary Barlow
(Peter Byrne/PA)

The Take That star stepped in at the last minute after The Script had to pull out of a planned performance.

2. The British Olympians (2012)

British Olympians Beth Tweddle, Max Whitlock, Stephen Burke, Karina Bryant, Luke Campbell and Sophie Hosking in Blackpool
(Martin Rickett/PA)

Six of Team GB’s medal winners were invited to switch on the lights in 2012. Gymnasts Beth Tweddle and Max Whitlock, cyclist Stephen Burke, judo star Karina Bryant, boxer Luke Campbell and rower Sophie Hosking shared the switch-on duties.

3. Robbie Williams (2010)

Robbie Williams in Blackpool
(Peter Byrne/PA)

Fans queued overnight to catch a glimpse of Robbie when he took on lighting-up duties in 2010.

4. Alan Carr (2009)

Alan Carr
(Owen Humphreys/PA)

The Chatty Man star headed to Blackpool in 2009 and looked delighted to have been asked.

He was later rewarded with his own “illumination” in the town.

5. The Top Gear presenters (2008)

Top Gear at Blackpool
(Neil Jones/PA)

When the Top Gear presenters were asked to do the honours in 2008, they decided to turn the whole thing into a race, with the winner being allowed to pull the switch.

Richard Hammond pipped Jeremy Clarkson to the post, while James May never even made it to the Prom. And in the end, tame racing driver The Stig stepped in and turned on the lights anyway.

According to the Blackpool Gazette, Jeremy told the packed crowds: “We had a bit of a Top Gear race today. All I can tell you is that James May lost. All I want to do now is go to bed. That was a long day.”

6. David Tennant (2007)

David Tennant
(Neil Jones/PA)

The actor was asked to switch on the Illuminations at the height of his Doctor Who fame.

In a video diary from the series 4 box set of the BBC show, David and executive producer Julie Gardner revealed how they got stuck in traffic on the way to the event, and needed a police escort to make sure they arrived on time.

7. Geri Halliwell (2004)

Geri Halliwell
(PA)

The Spice Girl went solo for her appearance in 2004.

Wearing a short, frilled frock, she performed for the crowds before hitting the switch.

8. Steps (2001)

Steps in Blackpool
(Phil Noble/PA)

Instead of the refrain from their hit 5,6,7,8, Steps were counting down 3,2,1, before switching on the lights in 2001.

Faye Tozer, Claire Richards, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Lee Latchford Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee all shared the special switch on moment.

9. The Bee Gees (1995)

The Bee Gees
(Fiona Hanson/PA)

Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb were provided with a giant switch when they turned on the lights in 1995.

The singing brothers returned to the North West, where they grew up before emigrating to Australia, to be greeted by cheering fans at the event.

10. The Corrie cast (1983)

The Corrie cast
(PA)

The Coronation Street cast were out in force in 1983, with Rovers Return landlady Annie Walker – aka actress Doris Speed – doing the honours.

Other familiar faces from the show included Liz Dawn, who played Vera Duckworth, longest-standing cast member William Roache (Ken Barlow), and Helen Worth, who is still on our screens today as Gail Rodwell.

11. Earl and Countess Spencer (1981)

Earl and Countess Spencer
(PA)

The father and step-mother of Diana, Princess of Wales were the surprising choice to lead the Illuminations celebrations in 1981.

They took to the podium not long after the lavish wedding of Diana to Prince Charles in London.

12. Kermit the Frog and the Muppets (1979)

Kermit the Frog
(Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Kermit the Frog presided over proceedings when The Muppets came to Blackpool in 1979.

He was joined by Sweetums and Gonzo at the event, and even received an invitation to lunch from the Mayor of Blackpool, according to reports from the time.

13. Sir Matt Busby (1968)

Sir Matt Busby
(PA)

The Manchester United football manager was recognised after rebuilding his team following the Munich air disaster, in which he lost eight of his players.

He was chosen to switch on the lights in 1968 after lifting the European Cup the same year.

14. Shirley Anne Field (1962)

Shirley Anne Field
(PA)

Bolton-born actress Shirley Anne Field was a big star when she was asked to take part in the 1962 ceremony, after featuring in films such as Beat Girl, Peeping Tom and Saturday Night, Sunday Morning.

15. George Formby (1953)

George Formby
(PA)

Did the musical hall performer turned film star pick up a little stick of Blackpool rock when he was the star guest in 1953?