Small town festival to host ‘huge’ Madness show

Pop and ska band Madness will be headlining a small town festival next spring.

Good Times Live organisers said the band, which has had 15 singles in the UK top 10, will take to the stage in Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, on Saturday 23 May.

The band is the third act to be announced for the annual music and comedy festival, with singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé and comedian Russell Howard already confirmed.

To accommodate their “huge show”, the festival team is having to upgrade the main stage to handle it, said organiser James Murden, adding that they would be bringing the “full Madness experience” to the town.

“This is one we’ve been waiting a long time to announce,” he said.

Mr Murden said: “Madness have been top of our wish list for years and we’re beyond excited.”

The band’s hits include One Step Beyond, My Girl, Baggy Trousers and UK number one House of Fun.

“Their show is so big, there are so many musicians and it’s a really long show,” he added.

“We are just so delighted to be able to bring that massive show to Chipping Sodbury.”

The festival takes place at the Ridings between 20 and 25 May.

This year’s line-up also includes a comedy gala with comedians Russell Howard, Mark Watson, Laura Newman and Matt Richardson and a family fiesta with CBeebies presenter Andy Day.

The event will again be supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital charity The Grand Appeal.

The festival has previously hosted the likes of Billy Ocean, McFly, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Scouting for Girls and Craig David.

“I like to think we’re putting Chipping Sodbury on the map,” said Mr Murden.

“But the point of our shows is to be somewhere you can see acts affordably.”

More artists are set to be announced soon.

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