Ukip will hold its spring conference in Margate in February, it has emerged.

The party’s economics spokesman has confirmed the event will take place at the seaside town’s Winter Gardens venue.

The conference is expected to be held shortly after concerts by X Factor winner Sam Bailey and a Michael Jackson tribute act.

It is thought the chosen location – so close to the Thanet South seat Ukip leader Nigel Farage will fight in May – is an indication of how vital it is to the party that he becomes an MP.

The seat is currently held by Conservative MP Laura Sandys, but she is stepping down in advance of what’s expected to be close race between the Tories, Ukip and Labour.

Ukip MEP and economics spokesman Patrick O’Flynn said yesterday he would be “terribly disappointed” if the party did not beat the Liberal Democrats on vote share in the 2015 election.