Madness will headline Rock N Roll Circus at Gunnersbury Park next summer as the event makes its London debut.
The event, which combines live music with circus performances, will run from 22 to 25 July 2027 with around 10,000 people expected in the crowd each day.
The Camden ska legends behind hits including Our House and Baggy Trousers, will top Saturday’s bill along with Fat Freddy’s Drop, Big Special, The Wailers and Hollie Cook.
HEADLINERS: Seventies ska and pop band Madness will top the bill at Rock N Roll Circus in Gunnersbury Park on Saturday 24 July 2027. Credit: RNRC 27
Each day will have a different headliner and line-up, with the remaining headline acts expected to be announced later this month.
Festival director Ali O’Reilly said: “It’s really hard starting any new event in any new location because you obviously need to build up the brand and the audience.”
The organisers hope the London edition will become an annual event, with O’Reilly saying its first year will need to succeed before returning in 2028.
She said a key measure of success would not just be ticket sales, but also whether the festival wins support from the local community.
Circus performances will run throughout each day, including a spectacle show featuring six to eight performers swinging from the roof of the circus tent, as well as acts and workshops based firmly on the ground.
Other attractions will include an area called the Devil’s Playground, where visitors can try activities including “playing ping pong with the devil”.
Rock N Roll Circus already runs festivals in Sheffield and Norwich, but O’Reilly said the organisers waited until both were established before expanding to London.
Gunnersbury Park was chosen for the London event because of its public transport links, accessibility and history of hosting large music events.
HIGH WIRE: A tightrope performer above the main stage is one of several ways the event aims to stand out. Credit: RNRC 27
Organisers say they are also working to limit noise, crowds and transport disruption for nearby residents.
O’Reilly said: “We understand there’s always a nervousness when new events come to town.”
She said the festival would be smaller than some 20,000-30,000 capacity music events and added that having its main stage inside a large circus tent would help contain noise.
Organisers also plan to work with local schools as well as offering internships and using nearby suppliers, traders and food vendors where possible.
Organisers also plan to work with local schools, offer internships and use nearby suppliers, traders and food vendors where possible.
Under-fives will be admitted free, and the National Centre for Circus Arts will run free workshops for children and adults.
Tickets for Madness on 24 July are now on sale
Feature image credit: RNRC 27
