Sir Elton John gig opens Blackpool's Tower arena

Sir Elton John will be the first star to play at a new outdoor concert venue opposite the Blackpool Tower.

The evening performance at the Tower Festival Headland arena is expected to attract an audience of about 10,000 people on Saturday.

It is the first time the star has played in the town for over 20 years.

Sir Elton said: "I'm really looking forward to visiting Lancashire again and enjoying the Blackpool sea air."

A spokesman for the event said the concert was due to begin at 18:30 BST, but will now start at 19:00 BST due to improving weather conditions.

The venue will also be used for other large events, including the visit of the Olympic torch to the area and the switch-on of the Blackpool Illuminations.

Natalie Wyatt, managing director of Marketing Blackpool, said: "It was great to see Elton performing at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert but that was just a taste of what's going to happen in Blackpool.

"We are expecting a fantastic evening and know people are going to be talking about this for a long time to come."

The venue has a maximum capacity of 20,000 people for standing events.