Michael Jackson fans congregate at London O2 Arena (July 13) for memorial vigil

Hundreds of Michael Jackson fans are gathering outside London's O2 Arena this evening (July 16), to pay tribute to the self-styled king of pop on the evening he was due to kick off his 50-date 'This Is It' tour at the venue.

Jackson's death in June came before he had performed any of the shows in public, and Facebook groups have encouraged those who were due to attend the shows to pay tribute to the star tonight.

Many fans have brought candles and personal tributes for Jackson along with them, reports BBC News, and some are writing messages for the star on a special memorial wall in the grounds of the venue.

Officials working for Jackson's 'This Is It' residency promoters AEG Live have hinted that footage of the star rehearsing for what he dubbed his final tour may be officially broadcast and released in the near future, though no dates have been confirmed yet.

Promoter Randy Phillips told Billboard that the recording features "Some of the most compelling footage in the 21st century".