'MADHEADS' - the fanbase of Madness - are set to descend on Delamere Forest after the ska band announced a live gig date in 2023.

The group will performing as part of Forest Live 2023 - an annual concert series presented by Forestry England at woodlands across the country.

Suggs and co, who are currently in the studio recording their first new album in six years, will be bringing their 'legendary' live show to Cheshire on Thursday, June 15, alongside special guest Hollie Cook.

Fans will be sure to hear such classics as 'One Step Beyond', 'It Must Be Love', 'Baggy Trousers' and 'House of Fun'.

A Forestry England spokesman said: "Drawing on their musical roots in pop and ska, Madness are responsible for some of the most credible pop compositions of their generation with the ability to write songs that sparkle with the spirit of British life.

"Creating their trademark ‘nutty’ sound, they became the UK’s consummate singles group with a huge haul of hits.

"A career spanning more than four decades in the business is testament to the band’s enduring popularity as music makers, their legendary live shows satiating the appetite of the steadfast ‘Madheads’ fanbase."

Tickets go on sale from 9am this Friday (November 19) at forestryengland.uk/music.

The announcement follows on from sould-out Forest Live 2022 performances.

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series which introduces forests to new audiences in unique, natural woodland arenas around the country.

More than two million people have attended a Forest Live gig in the last 22 years, enjoying great music and supporting the nation’s forests when buying a ticket.

Going to a concert helps Forestry England create beautiful places for people to enjoy, run important conservation projects and keep growing trees.

Last year it planted some 6.8 million trees, caring for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests sustainably and welcoming 363 million visits annually.

Madness will also be playing a gig at Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire on Thursday, June 8.