Rock N Roll Circus has announced its next major headliner for the second edition of Rock N Roll Circus Norwich – and it’s absolute Madness
The legendary British band Madness will bring their inimitable mix of ska, pop and pure joy to Earlham Park, Norwich on Sunday 23 August 2026.
This announcement follows the news that The Streets will open this year’s Rock N Roll Circus Norwich on Friday 21st August, with that date nearing a complete and total sell out. The eagerly anticipated line-up for Saturday 20th August is soon to be announced.
Madness will be topping a line-up that also features Ocean Colour Scene, The Wailers, The Selecter and David Rodigan, with more names still to be announced.
The show forms part of the second ever Rock N Roll Circus Norwich weekend, following the event’s triumphant debut in 2025 and its eagerly awaited return in 2026. The festival’s unique big top setting, combination of live music, circus performance and immersive entertainment has quickly made it one of the most distinctive new fixtures on the UK festival calendar.
The festival will also take place in Sheffield’s Don Valley Bowl this summer as it heads into its fourth year in South Yorkshire.
Madness remains one of Britain’s most beloved and enduring live acts. With a career spanning more than four decades, they’ve sold millions of records worldwide and produced an endless list of classics including Our House, One Step Beyond, It Must Be Love, Baggy Trousers and House of Fun. Known for their irresistible energy and everyman storytelling, the Camden legends continue to sell out arenas and headline major festivals across the globe.
Their latest release, The Hit Parade, celebrates an extraordinary legacy with a 44-track journey through every one of the band’s UK top 40 singles, as well as fan favourites and rare gems. The album reinforces what fans already know – few groups have defined British pop culture quite like Madness.
Joining them in Norwich will be a line-up that celebrates the very best in British and global music heritage. Birmingham heroes Ocean Colour Scene will bring their timeless anthems The Riverboat Song, The Day We Caught The Train and Hundred Mile High City to Earlham Park.
Firm festival favourites Ocean Colour Scene need little introduction. The band rose from Birmingham’s vibrant music scene in the early 1990s, becoming a defining force of the Britpop era with their sharp songwriting and classic rock influences. Their breakthrough album Moseley Shoals (1996) went multi-platinum and firmly established them as one of Britain’s leading bands, followed by the chart-topping Marchin’ Already (1997) and the acclaimed One from the Modern (1999). With a career spanning over three decades, they’ve enjoyed numerous Top 10 singles and albums and will be a welcome addition to this year’s festival.
Jamaican icons The Wailers will perform the iconic hits of Bob Marley’s catalogue in their unmistakable style, while 2-Tone pioneers The Selecter promise a high-energy set filled with ska and spirit. Completing the line-up is reggae broadcaster and sound system icon David Rodigan, whose sets remain a masterclass in musical storytelling.
The 2026 edition of Rock N Roll Circus Norwich will run across Friday 21st – Sunday 23 August, with The Streets already confirmed to headline the Friday night. More acts and stage details will be announced soon.
Ticket Information
Presale opens Wednesday 19th November 2025 at 10am BST
General sale from Friday 21st November 2025 at 10am BST
Venue: Earlham Park, Norwich
Tickets & info: www.rocknrollcircus.co.uk/norwich
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