The award-winning festival will support children and young people facing cancer as it prepares to bring its spectacular Big Top experience to London’s Gunnersbury Park in July 2027, with Madness among the headline acts.
Rock N Roll Circus has announced Young Lives vs Cancer as its official charity partner for its London debut next summer, joining forces to raise funds and awareness for children and young people affected by cancer.
The award-winning live music festival will make its London debut at Gunnersbury Park from 22–25 July 2027, bringing its distinctive combination of major music acts, circus entertainment and festival atmosphere to the capital for the first time.
The partnership will see Rock N Roll Circus support Young Lives vs Cancer — the UK’s leading charity for children and young people with cancer (0–25) and their families — through a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives, including the opportunity for ticket buyers to make a charitable donation when purchasing tickets.
The charity will also have a dedicated presence at the festival, while both organisations will work together on campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness of the vital support available to children, young people and families facing cancer.
Plans are also being developed to welcome some of the children and young people supported by the charity to Rock N Roll Circus, giving them the opportunity to enjoy a memorable weekend of live music and entertainment.
The announcement comes as excitement builds for the festival’s London arrival, with British music legends Madness confirmed to headline Saturday 24 July, joined by Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Wailers and Hollie Cook.
Having established itself as one of the UK’s most distinctive live music experiences through successful events in Sheffield and Norwich, Rock N Roll Circus is now preparing to bring its Big Top spectacle to one of London’s best-loved outdoor music venues.
“We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Young Lives vs Cancer as we bring Rock N Roll Circus to London for the very first time. Music has an amazing ability to bring people together, create memories and offer a little escape from everyday life. We want to use that power to make a positive difference beyond the festival itself. The work Young Lives vs Cancer does for children, young people and their families is extraordinary, and we’re honoured to be supporting the cause.”
Ali O’Reilly, Rock N Roll Circus Festival Director
Every day, 12 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer, with treatment often beginning immediately and lasting for up to three years.
Young Lives vs Cancer supports children and young people aged 0–25 and their families from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, providing practical, emotional and financial assistance at a time when it is needed most.
Its specialist social workers work alongside NHS teams in children’s cancer treatment centres across the UK, while its free Homes from Home accommodation helps families stay close to their children during hospital treatment.
With families facing an average of £700 in additional costs every month during treatment, the charity also provides grants, financial guidance and other essential support.
“We’re delighted to be joining forces with Rock N Roll Circus for its first-ever London festival. When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, life can change overnight, not just for them but for their whole family. Our teams work every day to make sure they don’t have to face those challenges alone. Partnerships like this are incredibly important in helping us raise awareness and vital funds, while also creating opportunities for children and young people to enjoy experiences and make memories away from the challenges of treatment.”
Alex O’Connell, Regional Partnerships Development Lead at Young Lives vs Cancer
The new partnership builds on Rock N Roll Circus’s ongoing commitment to supporting charities in the communities where its festivals take place. In Sheffield, the festival recently presented £3,809 to Weston Park Cancer Charity, while its Norwich event helped raise more than £3,000 for local charity Big C Cancer Charity. Together, the partnerships have generated more than £6,800 for cancer charities, with Rock N Roll Circus continuing to use the power of live music to support important causes.
With more announcements expected ahead of next summer, the festival promises four days of world-class live music and its signature circus-inspired entertainment at Gunnersbury Park.
