Tim Burton to switch on Blackpool Illuminations

Tim Burton, part of Hollywood royalty, is to switch on this year's Blackpool Illuminations.

The switch-on will take place on Friday 4th September on the Tower Festival Headland following a star-studded concert with performances from a host of stars including The Vamps, Lawson and Professor Green.

Earlier this year, the director shot scenes for his upcoming film Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children in Blackpool. Hollywood A-lister, Samuel L Jackson, was one of cast that filmed in scenes on the Promenade and inside The Blackpool Tower.

The Friday night Switch-On concert marks the start of a three-day festival of entertainment on the Tower Festival Headland entitled Blackpool iFest.

Then on Saturday evening, Pat Sharp will host a night of vintage music headlined by Bananarama followed by a comedy extravaganza on Sunday night hosted by Al Murray – The Pub Landlord.

"Millions of people around the world have enjoyed the films Tim has directed including Edward Scissorhands, Batman and Planet of the Apes. “We know he is a huge fan of Blackpool and we are delighted that he has agreed to switch the Illuminations on for us on the biggest night of Blackpool’s year. This is gearing up to be one of the best switch-on events we have ever had.”