Madness to headline first Rock N Roll Circus London: “Calling all Madheads and madhatters”

Madness have been announced as the first headliners for Rock N Roll Circus’ inaugural London edition, where they’ll be joined by Fat Freddy’s Drop, Big Special, The Wailers and Hollie Cook.

• READ MORE: Madness’ Suggs: “We were unique – but it’s so hard for bands now”

The Camden ska veterans will top the bill at Gunnersbury Park on Saturday July 24, 2027, in what is set to be their only outdoor summer show in the capital next year.

“Calling all Madheads and madhatters, join us next July in the great outdoors for Rock N Roll Circus,” said Suggs. “Bring your friends, bring your family and come dance in Gunnersbury Park London. Yes London we are back!”

Rock N Roll Circus will make its London debut across four days from July 22 to 25, combining live music with circus performers, food, drink and other entertainment. Further headliners and artists for the capital edition are still to be announced.

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Madness’ Saturday bill will also include New Zealand dub, reggae and soul collective Fat Freddy’s Drop, Black Country duo Big Special, reggae veterans The Wailers and London singer Hollie Cook.

Resident pre-sale tickets for the Gunnersbury Park show go on sale on Tuesday (September 29), followed by a general pre-sale on Wednesday (September 30) and general sale on Friday (October 2). Get your tickets here.

Speaking to NME last year about the staging of their ‘Hit Parade’ tour, Suggs said: “We’re always coming up with stupid things. It’s sort of a cheesy ’60s pop show that you used to get.”

He added that the band were considering quizzes and audience participation around particular songs. “Ultimately, people want to see the songs and sing along,” he said. “But we might have a bit more theatre to it.”

Rock N Roll Circus launched in 2022 and combines conventional festival sets with circus spectacles including aerialists, acrobats and fire performers.

London becomes the festival’s third location in 2027, joining its established events at Earlham Park in Norwich and Sheffield’s Don Valley Bowl. The Norwich edition will return from August 19 to 22, with Sheffield following from August 26 to 29. No 2027 artists have yet been announced for either event.

This summer’s Norwich edition featured headline sets from James, The Streets, The Kooks and Madness, with other performers including Ocean Colour Scene, The Wailers, The Selecter, David Rodigan, The Vaccines and The Fratellis.

Madness closed the Norwich weekend in August, while Cruz Beckham joined The Kooks for ‘Jackie Big Tits’ during the previous night’s show.

Sheffield’s four-day 2026 edition, meanwhile, was headlined by The Kooks, The Streets, Wunderhorse and Richard Ashcroft. Its wider bill included Babyshambles, Baxter Dury, English Teacher, Fat Dog, Embrace, Cast, and Miles Kane.

As for Madness, their 1981 film Take It Or Leave It has been newly restored in 4K by the BFI and will return to cinemas in October, while the ‘Hit Parade 7” Singles Collection 1979-1986’ box set is due in November.