UB40 ft Ali Campbell to headline Forest Live’s 25th anniversary concerts
UB40 ft Ali Campbell will bring reggae to the outdoors next summer with four gigs as part of Forest Live 2026.
UB40 ft Ali Campbell have announced a series of headline shows as part of Forest Live 2026, bringing reggae rhythms to the woods next summer.
The group will perform across all four of Forestry England’s major outdoor venues in June, helping to mark the 25th anniversary of the celebrated concert series.
The dates include Delamere Forest on Friday 19 June, High Lodge in Thetford Forest on Sunday 21 June, Westonbirt Arboretum on Thursday 25 June and Cannock Chase Forest on Saturday 27 June.
UB40 are no strangers to Forest Live, having first performed there back in 2006 and returning regularly over the years. For 2026, Ali Campbell – the founding member and unmistakable voice behind the Red Red Wine band’s biggest hits – will once again lead the line-up.
The 66-year-old singer said: “When I first founded UB40 back in 1978, I put everything I had into it – including the compensation money I’d received from a criminal injury claim. None of us could have imagined we’d go on to sell over 100 million records and take reggae from Birmingham to the world. It’s been an incredible journey, and coming back to play Forest Live in such beautiful surroundings is the perfect way to celebrate with our fans.”
Support for the shows will come from fellow Birmingham-born artist Bitty McLean. Known for his mid-1990s UK Top 10 singles It Keeps Rainin’ (Tears from My Eyes), Dedicated to the One I Love and Here I Stand, McLean has built a career working with reggae greats including Sly and Robbie while developing his own distinctive lovers’ rock and ragga style.
Also joining the bill are Reggae Roast featuring MC Horseman. As the UK’s leading reggae, dancehall and jungle soundsystem crew, they bring a modern edge to traditional reggae culture through live events, recordings and their influential label.
Tickets go on general sale from 9am on Friday (26.09.25), with presales opening on Tuesday (23.09.25). Fans can sign up for details and exclusive presale access at forestlive.com.
UB40 ft Ali Campbell - Forest Live 2026 dates:
Friday 19 June – Forestry England Delamere
Sunday 21 June – Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford
Thursday 25 June – Forestry England Westonbirt Arboretum
Saturday 27 June – Forestry England Cannock Chase
