FANTASTIC fireworks and festive lights brightened up Southampton City Centre during the switch on ceremony in 1999.

The skies above the ancient Bargate building exploded with multi-coloured rockets as thousands of people looked up in awe.

Much-loved sit-com character Boycie from Only Fools and Horses flicked the switch to shine Christmas lights on the central shopping area.

actor John Challis, who played one of the Ugly Sisters in the Guildhall’s production of Cinderella, said: “It was as pleasure to be asked to turn the lights on. Southampton has a good feel about it.”