Business leaders today welcomed the news, revealed exclusively in The Gazette, that the Queen will be the guest of honour for the glittering event in December.

The Royal Variety Performance will be televised around the world and thousands of people will flock to Blackpool in the run-up to the big night.

Coun Tony Williams, cabinet member for culture and communities, said: "This is a world class event for a world class resort.

"It's recognition of Blackpool as the home of variety and is going to be seen in every corner of the planet.

"In the long term this event could bring millions of pounds into the resort.

"We should now be looking to host the Royal Variety every year and Blackpool would be the perfect place to keep coming back to."

Financial experts were today looking at the numbers and calculated the resort could see a bumper boost at the end of the traditional tourist season.

Many resort businesses would usually close down when the Illuminations season finishes in November.

>> Rumours of Royal Variety line-up begin.>> Royal Variety show is coming to Blackpool.
>> Robin Duke on why this is such big news.

But they could now stay open throughout Christmas because of the boost the Royal Variety will bring.

Blackpool Council has said it is "considering all options" when looking at how to welcome Her Majesty – and may even consider relighting the Illuminations for the big night.

Andrew Norman, partner at Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, based in Blackpool, said: "This will bring significant economic benefits to Blackpool by putting the coastline back on the tourism map with a television audience of millions and also highlighting the town's appeal as a venue for major events.

"The event itself will bring thousands of guests, performers, event staff, television crews and journalists into Blackpool who will all spend their money in hotels, bars and restaurants in the run-up to the event and on the big night itself.

"We're probably talking about hundreds of thousands of pounds coming into the town as a direct result of the event and the longer term 'hidden' economic benefits, such as a boost to tourism, are likely to be significantly higher."

Blackpool business leaders have already begun planning for the event, which last year featured massive artists like Take That, Rihanna, Peter Kay and the Pussycat Dolls.

Although organisers are remaining tightlipped over who this year's stars will be one group definitely taking the stage will be dance troupe Diversity, winners of the Britain's Got Talent TV show.

Helen France, Blackpool Council's executive director of regeneration and tourism, said: "Hosting such a prestigious event is going to offer so many benefits to the town.

"This is a massive opportunity to showcase what we have to offer and to prove we are capable of hosting major events. When it actually takes place it will be opportunity for Blackpool to shine all over the world.

"There's no doubt that the economic benefits of hosting the Royal Variety Performance will be huge."

As well as visitors coming to Blackpool to see the show and fans of the acts performing, the resort will also be filled with crew members and celebrity guests.

Ms France added: "The accommodation sector and other associated businesses all look set for a financial boost, which can only be good news for the town as a whole."

And while the attraction of having a world class event coming into the resort is obvious, many are looking at how it will help the resort in the long term by changing people's views that the town has lost some of its appeal.

This includes the boost it will give to Blackpool's bid to become a world heritage site based on its entertainment background.

Martin Long, a partner at Napthens Solicitors who sits on Blackpool's Business Leadership Group, added: "This event will give Blackpool an extraordinary amount of coverage on the national stage.

"Hopefully people will see Blackpool in its best light and improve a lot of people's perceptions about the town."

And the event has celebrity backing.

Blackpool singing sensation Coleen Nolan, who will be appearing on stage in the resort with her sisters in October as part of their reunion tour, said she was banking on an evening of fun for Her Majesty
.
She added: "Fantastic news the Royal Variety is coming to Blackpool, which is so synonymous with variety.

"This year's show should have a great mix of traditional variety and new acts like the incredible Diversity boys which I'm sure the Queen will enjoy, and will bring more sparkle to Blackpool."