50 YEARS OF SKEGNESS STARS

Between 1953 and 2016, the switch-on of the summer illuminations was always a highlight of the summer season in Skegness, Lincolnshire's most popular seaside resort. In most years, the honours were performed by a celebrity from the world of showbiz or sport. Over the years, these included such personalities as Pat Phoenix and William Roache (of Coronation Street fame), Wendy Richard (EastEnders), Norman Wisdom, Henry Cooper, Bob Monkhouse, Bill Maynard, Barry McGuigan, Bobby Charlton, Ray Clemence, Tony Blackburn and Billy Butlin (twice). Some, such as Jimmy Savile proved to be controversial choices. This fascinating retrospective was originally compiled to mark 50 years of this immensely popular event which had been launched to mark Coronation Year.