Legendary ska rockers Madness will be performing at this year's Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza, the Western Daily Press can reveal.

The pioneering British band – with frontman Suggs – are expected to be as popular as last year's sell-out Status Quo concert.

2010 will also see the return of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the ancient parkland Abbey grounds.

Originally from Camden Town, Madness was formed in 1976 and was one of the most prominent bands of the late-1970s 2 tone/ska revival.

Madness recorded more than 20 consecutive top 20 hits in the UK charts with numbers such as Our House, Baggy Trousers and Return of the Los Palmas 7.

The concert is organised by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, who lives at nearby Worthy Farm in Pilton which hosts the world-famous festival in June.

He said: "It is our 15th year – we don't take a year off for this one. It is good to put something into the town; we have used the name forever and the farm was once part of the Abbey – at one time it was a deer park. There are lots of associations.

"It is so relaxing – I see people I have known for 60 years who come there to enjoy themselves. And in the town itself people are more interested in the Extravaganza than the Festival."

Drummer Woody Woodgate told the Daily Press why the band love playing outdoors and how they'll guarantee a good time for everyone in the audience.

"However bad the weather is, however much it is raining," he said. "When we come on stage, it stops.

"I'm serious. It never rains when we're on."

Fresh from celebrating their 30th anniversary (ignoring a short break mid-career), the group of fun-loving folk have no plans to give up any time soon.

Woody said: "We're all about having fun. Obviously, we've got to be able to play our instruments properly but we've never really taken it too seriously.

"It's just a good laugh.

"We've got 30 years of material so we give everyone the big hits – It Must Be Love, One Step Beyond, Madness – as many as we can do.

"If people dance then we dance. As a result, I've liked every gig we've done, from small gigs to larger ones in arenas.

"We've done Forestry Commission concerts, which were very beautiful and I imagine the Extravaganza will be just as breathtaking.

"We've played the big one a few times. I think it's really nice to have something like this to help thank the locals for putting up with all these people during the weekend of Glastonbury Festival."

This year's Extravaganza takes place on August 7 and 8 with 70s legend Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel opening the first night.

Most famous for the iconic chart topper Make me Smile (Come up and see me) which is one of the most played records, Steve has played neighbouring Glastonbury Festival three times.

But this will be the first time he's been invited by Michael to play one of these Extravaganza nights in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey.

"It looks very, very special," says Steve. As he points out, any groups playing at the festival don't get to see too much of the surrounding countryside.

"You just come in the bus, hang about, play and go home," he said.

On the Sunday, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be back with a performance of popular classics full of well-know pieces, and culminating with a chance to wave flags to Land of Hope and Glory.

Innovative violinist Nicola Benedetti returns for the second time six years after her stunning victory as BBC Young Musician of the Year plus guest soloists tenor Andrew Rees and soprano Jo Appleby. The production will also include screens by the stage, beautiful water fountains, lights and fireworks. The Sunday concert will open with string quartet Raven – the resident quartet for the BBC 2 series, Maestro. Raven have performed and recorded with artists such as Gorillaz, Jools Holland, Leona Lewis and Gwen Stefani.

To buy tickets or find out more about the event, either contact the Glastonbury Festival Office, in Northload Street, Glastonbury – 01458 834596, or check out www.glastonburyextravaganza.co.uk for online sales. Ticket prices are £30 for adults if booked in advance, £5 surcharge on the gate subject to availability. Child tickets for those aged six to 16 are £15. There is a special ticket offer; book 10 adult tickets and get the 11th free. Booking charges may apply.

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