Madness are offering public sector staff free tickets for their music festival later this month to celebrate the work they do.
The ska and two-tone group will extend a special invitation to nurses, doctors, emergency service workers, police officers, teachers and those in the fire brigade to the House of Common event on London’s Clapham Common on August Bank Holiday Monday, coinciding with their 40th anniversary.
The Baggy Trousers hit-makers did the same thing in 2017 following the London Bridge terror attack and Grenfell Tower fire.
For the love of the public sector… all you nurses, teachers, firemen, coppers, paramedics and more can get into our #HouseOfCommonFestival free of charge.See full info and claim your free ticket here: https://t.co/MlKK31bzLb pic.twitter.com/IPciTUj0bs
— Madness (@MadnessNews) August 8, 2019
The group have top billing on the day, and will be joined by performers including Jimmy Cliff, Ziggy Marley, The Kingdom Choir, David Rodigan and The Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Club, as well as a DJ set from Jerry Dammers, founder of The Specials and 2 Tone Records.
Festival organisers said: “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.
“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.”
The founder of 2 Tone and great friend of the band Jerry Dammers will be playing at our #HouseOfCommon Festival on clapham Common next month! See the full line-up below…#Madness #JerryDammers #2Tone #HouseOfCommon #Madnessband #summerfestival #carnivalweekend pic.twitter.com/NtXyYT68AC
— Madness (@MadnessNews) July 23, 2019
The festival welcomes children, with under-10s admitted free of charge, and able to enjoy a special youngsters’ area called Minor Madness with a House of Fun play garden, giant inflatables and activities throughout the day.
Those eligible for free tickets are allowed one for themselves and a guest of their choice, and are on a first-come, first-served basis.