British music royalty Madness brought sunshine and energy to Southampton as the latest act to appear in the city as part of the Summer Sessions.

The ska and pop band entered the stage on Sunday evening (June 16) overlooking Guildhall Square to the Thunderbirds theme tune, in front of a packed audience crammed outside the guildhall.

Lead singer of Madness, Graham McPherson – better known by his stage name ‘Suggs’ – immediately sent the enthusiastic audience into delirium by kicking off the 90-minute gig with One Step Beyond.

People of all ages bounced in tandem as an array of hit tunes followed from the band’s back catalogue, including Baggy Trousers, It Must Be Love, and House of Fun.

The Ivor Novello Award winners also performed new songs from their latest number one album – Theatre of The Absurd Presents C’est la Vie – whilst ensuring they also had time for other memorable tunes, Wings of a Dove, and Our House.

READ MORE: Sir Tom Jones opens Southampton Summer Sessions festival

An excitable ‘Suggs’ was also happy to engage with his captive audience – at one point exclaiming: “Where are we? We’re not in Northampton, we’re not in Easthampton, we’re not in Westhampton… we’re in Southampton.”

The head bopping setlist was accompanied by an ever-changing big screen to the rear of the stage that had dazzling visuals for the variety of songs, as well as vivid lighting that lit up the crowd.

Many of the thousands of people in attendance attended the gig wearing a fez, stitched with the band’s logo – separating the hardcore Madness fans from the rest – whilst others came dressed in full fancy dress.

Before Madness took to the stage at 8.30pm, they were supported by Kid Kapichi.

The Hastings-based punk band proved to be a fitting support for Madness, performing a lively and energetic setlist in the Southampton sunshine, with any rain that had threatened in the forecast failing to dampen a glorious evening, following on from the legendary Tom Jones that opened the Southampton Summer Sessions on Saturday night.

Nile Rodgers and CHIC are the next act to perform in Guildhall Square on Sunday, June 23, soon followed by the likes of Placebo, Paloma Faith, and Kaiser Chiefs.