Music

Work in the public sector? You can go to Madness' 40th bash for free

The ska legends are going One Step Beyond to give nurses, teachers and more free tickets to House of Common on August 26 in a show of gratitude for their work

Madness

Ska legends Madness will welcome public sector workers as special guests at their music festival in London.

In a bid to recognise the tireless efforts and invaluable work of doctors, nurses, teachers and the emergency services, they will be invited to the House of Common event on London’s Clapham Common on Monday August 26 – which coincides with band’s 40th anniversary.

While the event otherwise costs £35 for visitors, those eligible can register for a free one – plus one for a friend – on a first-come-first-served basis.

The festival’s stacked line up is headlined by Madness with the bill also including crowd-pleasers like Jimmy Cliff, Ziggy Marley, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club plus a DJ set from The Specials’ Jerry Dammers.

“Those working in Britain’s public sectors work tirelessly 365 days of the year to keep us safe, well and in education, so it’s only right that we do what we can to offer something in return,” the festival organisers said.

“We’re thrilled we’re able to welcome these fine people to House of Common on August Bank Holiday Monday. It’s always a brilliant day and we hope to see many public sector workers there.”

It’s not a first for the two-tone masters. They extended similar invitations to public sector workers in 2017 after the London Bridge terror attacks and the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Under-10s will also get in for free and will have access to a special kids’ area called Minor Madness – including an inflatable House of Fun garden.

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