CANDIDATES vying to become Colchester’s next MP will go head to head when the public quizzes them at a hustings event.

The Mercury, which is based in a big top on Abbey Field in Colchester, will host Ask the Candidates on Thursday, December 5 at 8pm - one week before polling day.

Mark Goacher (Green), Martin Goss (Lib Dem), Tina McKay (Lab) and Will Quince (Con) will be in attendance to answer questions from voters.

It is the only hustings event in the town where all four candidates are expected to attend.

Dr Laura Sudulich, Reader in Public Policy in the Department of Government at the University of Essex, has been confirmed as the chairman for the debate.

The Mercury Theatre’s executive director Steve Mannix said: “Ask the Candidates will take place in the midst of our team’s very busy pantomime performance schedule but we are pleased to have been able to make adjustments in order to host this important hustings event, giving local voters the chance to put their questions to local candidates ahead of the upcoming General Election.”

The event will start at 8pm with doors opening at 7.30pm.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Any questions suggested for the debate should be submitted at the time of booking and the chairman will pick a selection to ask on the night.

Free parking is available but must be booked in advance to guarantee entry.

Audiences are advised to arrive with plenty of time to take their seats. To book tickets visit mercurytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01206 573948.