THOUSANDS of music fans packed into Chelmsford City Racecourse for its first ever music event.

Ska legends Madness appeared at the Great Leighs venue as part of their Grandslam tour.

Frontman Suggs belted out a mixture of new songs and classics such as Baggy Trousers, House of Fun and My Girl.

About 8,000 people enjoyed an evening’s horse racing before the two hour show began at 9.30pm.

Andy Farrow, 48, of Great Notley, said he thought it was “spot on” when he heard his favourite band would be playing so close to home and bought his son William along.

He said: “It’s nice there is something going on in Braintree that’s a bit different. It seems to have worked.

“I’ve loved Madness for years, I grew up with them. It must be love, I’m just glad it’s not a grey day.”