Despite the sun and the (unwelcome) rain, thousands of madheads were given a journey back in time as Madness played their greatest hits in the latest of the Newmarket Nights series on Friday night.

Although they started late, it was clear from the first number that there were going to be no disappointments from the ska band, who released their first album, One Step Beyond, more than 35 years ago.

Despite missing Chas Smash, who took a break from the band to pursue a solo career, frontman Suggs commanded the crowd’s attention, with discussion about the races earlier in the evening.

Performing the most popular hits, including My Girl, Embarrassment, NW5, Night Boat to Cairo, and Our House helped keep the audience moving.

One fan was kept moving more than others after she climbed on to the stage for a dance and handshake from the Madness frontman and was then escorted off by a member of the band’s team.

Even some of the more up-to-date numbers, including My Girl 2, the opening song on the Camden Town-based band’s most recent album Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da, were received well.

The band, who were performing as part of their ‘Grandslam Madness’ tour, weren’t slacking, nor showing their age, as they kept up the high energy as the performances drew to a close.

Playing your greatest and most popular hits is always a good way to keep your fans happy, but Madness did that with an air of timelessness.

It could have been 1985 or 2015. And it wouldn’t have mattered because Madness were at their usual best.