POP royalty Sir Elton John will perform before a sell-out audience in Scarborough tonight.

Final preparations are being put in place for the show, at the town’s newly-expanded Open Air Theatre.

The event is expected to provide a shot in the arm for the economy of the seaside resort, with more than 8,000 people set to attend.

Hotels, restaurants and bars are hoping to feel the benefit of the extra footfall.

Councillor David Jeffels, Scarborough Borough Council’s member for tourism, said: "People will travel and stay overnight for the likes of Sir Elton.

"Many will have a weekend break before taking in the show."

Tonight’s performance is one of just two shows the Crocodile Rock singer is performing in the UK as part of his European tour.

The star’s last high-profile performance in the region was at The Northern Echo Arena, in Darlington, in the summer of 2008.

In 2009, he was forced to cancel a performance in Newcastle because of flu.

Fans at tonight’s show can expect more than two hours of hits from his back catalogue, which includes classics such as Your Song and Are You Ready For Love?