EAST Lancashire band The Soul Convicts will support chart toppers Madness at the Lytham Festival on Saturday.

The 10-piece soul and funk outfit will perform in front of 14,000 fans after getting a last minute invite to join one of the most successful singles bands of all time.

"I think it has come as big as a surprise to us as it has to the fans" said lead singer Danny Finn. "I got an email at seven o'clock this morning asking us if we'd like to support Madness. It might have been early but it didn't take long to say yes to that."

The Soul Convicts played a sold out show at last year's festival at the Assembly Rooms in Lytham.

"I posted a picture yesterday saying it was exactly a year ago since we played at the festival," said Danny. "I think that might have helped us get the call to support Madness.

"It has meant I've had to do a bit of ringing around to get the band together and I was due to sing at another gig on Saturday so I've had to make alternative arrangements for that but you don't turn down an opportunity like this."

With a full brass section and energetic stage show, the 10-piece outfit are set to wow the festival crowd.

"We only get 30 minutes so we'll be putting together something pretty explosive," said Danny. "It's a fantastic opportunity to give fans a taster of what the band is capable of and hopefully it will entice some of them to come and see our full show when we play at the Grand in Clitheroe over the August Bank Holiday and King George's Hall, Blackburn, later in the year."

The Tailormade have also been announced as support for the gig on Saturday.

Festival director Peter Taylor said: “I’m delighted both The Tailormade and The Soul Convicts will be supporting Madness.

“Both are incredibly talented and bring two completely different performances which will well and truly entertain the crowds ahead of what is set to be a fantastic night.”

Tickets are still available. For details visit www.lythamfestival.com