Nigel Farage the latest headline act at a famous Essex nightspot

Nigel Farage will follow in the footsteps of stand-up comedians and darts players to become the latest headline act at a famous Essex nightspot.

The UKIP leader will take to the stage at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet for a public meeting tonight.

The 1,100-seat venue is in the key marginal seat of Thurrock where one opinion poll put UKIP ahead of both Conservatives and Labour.

The entertainment complex is best known for shows featuring stars like Jim Davidson, Duncan Norvelle and Joe Longthorne.

The Circus Tavern also hosts darts tournaments, musical tribute acts and 'Tesco's Got Talent' featuring local supermarket workers.

The ticket-only UKIP meeting is the first political rally in the venue's history.

The Conservatives won Thurrock in 2010 with a majority of just 92 over Labour, making it one of the most marginal seats in London and the Home Counties.