Rayleigh has welcomed a host of A-listers in years gone by, stretching from royalty to film stars and star footballers.
We have rediscovered images of some big names who have made the journey to south Essex - whether it was to open a fair or some disabled toilets!
Princess Anne met dignitaries when she travelled to Rayleigh, while James Bond actor Roger Moore was accompanied by Britt Ekland – his co-star in The Man With The Golden Gun – when he opened the 1974 May Fair.
Sports stars have also been special guests, with 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore heading to the opening of what is now the Pink Toothbrush and Alan Shearer walked around town with a cardboard cutout of himself.
Royal handshake - Princess Anne greets dignitaries during her Rayleigh visit
Athlete Tessa Sanderson also showed off her moves.
Scroll down to see images of more A-listers to have headed to Rayleigh over the years.
Athletic - javelin star Tessa Sanderson at the Park Sports Centre 30 years ago
Good to see you Mr Bond - Roger Moore and Britt Ekland breeze into Rayleigh for the May Fair back in July 1974
Noted talent - wartime singer Anne Shelton at Rayleigh's Mill Hall in 1979
Read more:
- From Oasis to Bob Geldof: Hitmakers who have made trips to Westcliff's Cliffs Pavilion
- When Danny Dyer, Professor Green and others wowed revellers at Southend's Mayhem
Serving up a cuppa - Dame Anna Neagle visits Alice Hill at Frances Cottee Lodge in 1980
Cutting it - ex-England footballer Alan Shearer, who went on to become the Premier League's all-time top goalscorer, dropped into town in 1995
Relaxing - actor Victor Maddern poses in front of the Rayleigh Windmill in 1982
That’s Life - TV presenter Chris Serle opening disabled toilets on Crown Hill
Bullseye - Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor at the Rayleigh Sports and Social Club in 1992
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