LEGENDARY ska band Madness will share the stage with a lively Darlington act later this year.

The Skapones are “bubbling with excitement” after being invited to perform at House of Fun, the annual festival curated by Madness.

Known for their mixture of 2Tone anthems and original material, the band – with special guest King Hammond - will headline the Madness Info Service show at the weekender in November.

Band member Paul Williams said: “We are thrilled to be asked to do this and as we are all Madness fans, this is a dream come true.

“It is also a great accolade for this Darlington band – it’s a massive thing for us.”

He added: “I think people like us because we do a lot of audience participation.

"We’re always in the crowd with them, singing and dancing.

“We’ll drive into the crowd and if we’re out there with the audience, it makes them want to join in.”

Prior to their festival appearance, The Skapones will play a homecoming show at The Forum on Friday, November 3.

For more information about House of Fun, visit madness.co.uk or for information about the band, visit theskapones.co.uk.