Hollywood director Tim Burton to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations …Wait, what?

World-renowned director Tim Burton is set to switch on this year's Blackpool Illuminations this year in a major coup for the town.

The maker of such fantasy classics as Batman, Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice describes himself as "Blackpool Pleasure Beach's biggest fan", and has used the seaside town for scenes in his latest movie, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. He will switch on the famous lights on September 4, and will be accompanied by the likes of The Vamps, Lawson and Professor Green. Councillor Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool council, was understandably chuffed: "Having one of the most famous film directors in the world turn on the Blackpool Illuminations is a major coup and shows the high regard the town is held in the hearts of our famous visitors. "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."