Another year – another incredible Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza

It would be difficult to top the success of the 2009 Extravaganza.  The sell-out Status Quo concert and the return of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra provided two memorable evenings in the ancient parkland Abbey grounds.

But Michael Eavis has pulled off another masterstroke – 2010 has Madness at the Abbey!

The legendary  British ska pioneers, Madness, with frontman Suggs, will have the Abbey jumping on Saturday 7th August.  Originally from Camden Town, they formed in 1976 and were one of the most prominent bands of the late-1970s 2 tone/ska revival. Madness knocked up over twenty consecutive top twenty hits in the UK charts with numbers like “Our House”, “Baggy Trousers” and “Return of the Los Palmas 7” - which guarantee yet another great fun evening.

Opening the show on Saturday 7th will be 70’s legend Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel most famous for the iconic chart topper “Make me Smile (Come up and see me)” - one of the most played records in British broadcasting.  In recent times, the band have played Glastonbury Festival three times, the Isle of Wight festival and many of Europe's major rock festivals.

On Sunday 8th August, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra create a breathtaking family concert 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 Years.  We welcome back guest soloists tenor Andrew Rees and soprano Jo Appleby, and as always the excellent production includes 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.  

Bring your picnic and party!

Madness tickets have now sold out, but to buy tickets for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra or to find out more about the event, click here

Archive News

2010 Dates Announced - click here to read this article