1. 1986
Joe Sierra, a red Indian chief, was flown from America to turn on the lights partly thanks to a Yorkshire Evening Post campaign spearheaded by YEP journalist and columnist John Thorpe. Quite why, no one is entirely sure.
2. 1989
When Mickey Mouse pulled out Danny La Rue stepped in and then pulled out when council leaders refused to let him drag himself up as Margaret Thatcher. Melanie Hill, aka Aveline in TV comedy Bread, filled the gap.
3. 1993
Noel Edmonds arrived with Mr Blobby and was counting down to turning the lights on when it came to the organisers attention that, by accident, the illuminations had already been accidentally lit. Photo: Justin Lloyd
4. 1994
Magician Paul Daniels may have been the household name pressing the button but it was boyband Bad Boys Inc who caused a stir when their appearance saw 10 girls in the audience instantly faint. Photo: Mel Hulme
5. 1995
Little and Large topped the bill in this year and also, taking third billing (behind Right said Fred), were a certain PJ & Duncan who later became the millionaire kings of Saturday night TV, Ant and Dec.
6. 1999
Scary Spice dropped into her home city to turn on the lights. Was left embarrassed after she slipped and nearly fell off the stage. Photo: Bruce Rollinson