FORMER Spice girl Geri Halliwell helped light up Blackpool last night as she switched on the resort's famous illuminations.

Just one pull of a lever saw more than one million bulbs burst into life along the town's six-mile promenade.

As she flicked the switch, Geri said: "This is such an honour for me because you guys have embraced me like one of your own and it's a pleasure for me to turn you on."

The illuminations cost £2.4 million to stage this year, and are worth about £10 million with more than a million lamps in the display.

They are expected to attract more than 3.5 million visitors to Blackpool during their nine-week run. Visitors are also expected to spend around £275 million during the illuminations period.

Chart-topping teen band McFly also played at last night's switch-on ceremony.

The band, featuring Bromley Cross singer Danny Jones, who have two number one singles and a number one album under their belts, helped to open the show, which this year celebrated 125 years since the illuminations began.

Bolton DJ Mark Radcliffe compered the event, which was broadcast live on Radio 2.

More than 20,000 people packed into the switch-on venue for the night -- a car park behind the Sea Life Centre -- and some had been waiting all day to ensure a front row spot for McFly's performance.

The screams were deafening as Danny, Tom, Harry and Dougie rocked through both their number one hits, as well as new single That Girl.

Other acts included Darren Hayes, formerly of Savage Garden, Fame Academy graduate Lemar and 80s chart-toppers Swing Out Sister.

Geri Halliwell followed a long line of celebrities, including Blue and Ronan Keating, from previous years in pressing the all-important switch.

Gasps swept across the crowd as a spectacular firework display marked the anniversary.

The illuminations, which span six miles and are linked by 100 miles of wiring, will light up Blackpool's promenade for 66 days until November 7.

Artists, electricians, mechanics, painters and engineers have spent months working on the display, which features several new sparkling additions for this year, including a £20,000 Sony Interactive Zone, ballooning buddies, a lollipop wheel and a new, improved Postman Pat.