Recurring themes in Regent Street

In some years Regent Street has seen interesting varieties as the lights take inspiration from their sponsor. Disney's Aladdin and Cameron Mackintosh's Celebration of West End Musicals have starred.

But, for the last three years, we've had Flashing Crowns with Stars in Regent Street and a hotch potch of Christmas motifs in Oxford Street.

Other incidents of note, aside from the comings and goings of the funding saga, have been the fall of an 18-inch electric candle from its fitting over Oxford Street in 1959. It happened again later that same year, but this time the falling article was 15ft long and this time it caused a death.

In 1963, the lighting up of London was postponed as a mark of respect to the recently assassinated John F Kennedy.

And in 1989, the great switch on in Oxford Street bowed to the power of pop celebrity, waiting several weeks past its usual mid-November date for Kylie Minogue to make a window in her hectic schedule.

Frankie and Pete follow in a long line of celebrity sparklers

Despite the controversy, the lighting ceremony remains a matter of national interest and celebrity aspiration. To be invited to be chief switch thrower in Oxford Street means you are currently the people's favourite, take pop stars the Spice Girls and Peter Andre for example.

And in Regent Street, the lucky candidate joins a long line of Royals and choice notables such as former Prime Minister, John Major, and champion jockey Frankie Detorri.