A great many famous celebrities have performed the Blackpool illuminations switch on ceremony. A popular quiz item goes something like this: what did Soviet Ambassador to Britain Jacob Malik achieve in 1955 and Kermit the Frog and the Muppets do 24 years later. Answer: they switched on Blackpool Illuminations. Other famous people that have performed this ceremony include: Cannon and Ball, Shirley Bassey, the Bee Gees, Lisa Stansfield and Status Quo. Many of the greatest stars of sport and showbusiness as well as major political figures have had the distinction of turning on the lights.