The switch is set to be flicked by Lincs FM's Eddie Shaw, Mayor Coun Pat Phillips and the Jolly Fisherman.


But Eva Maclaine, from Lunch Communications, the company promoting the event, said two celebrities will be involved earlier in the evening - opera singer Jonathan Ansell from G4 and Casualty's Jonathan Kerrigan.


The format for the switch-on on July 25 has changed dramatically because it has been incorporated into the Arts Council England's SO 2009 festival.


Traditionally there was a parade from the town hall to the Clock Tower, followed by a celebrity flicking the switch.


This year there will be events on Friday and Saturday, followed by an opera gala at the Embassy Theatre broadcast on the beach before the switch-on.


Eddie will compere the evening and conduct interviews with the celebrities, before an incredible firework display on the beach.


Then Eddie will launch the countdown to the switch-on.


ELDC's communications officer James Gilbert said: "It will be the most spectacular thing Skegness has ever seen.


"It's going to be something different to previous years, but lets give it a chance. £250,000 is the most money the Arts Council has put into a single event in the East of England."


A regional advertising campaign will kick off in newspapers and on the radio, and posters, banners, bill boards and phone boxes will be adorned with information about the event in Skegness.


Do you think having a celebrity do the switch-on is important?