This, presumably, will eat into the profit margin somewhat

Blackpool Pier has got a little bit over-excited at the prospect of a visit from Elton John. He's going to see Richard Shelton doing something on the end of it, and the Pier have got giddy and spent thousands on red carpets and champagne.

Pier spokeswoman Pearl Mina said: “We’re pulling out all the stops. It will be the most flamboyant night Blackpool has seen for years.”

Certainly the most flamboyant night since the 2004 finals of the Best British Donkey contest.