The first headliner has been announced for next year's concert series at Thetford Forest.
UK reggae legends UB40 ft Ali Campbell will perform on Sunday June 21, as part of Forest Live's 25th anniversary season.
The band are no strangers to performing in the forests, having played numerous times going back as far as 2006, and are excited to return in 2026.
Ali Campbell, founder of UB40 and the voice behind the band’s biggest hits, 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.”
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Originally formed by a group of friends from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the Birmingham band became known for its socially aware lyrics and laid-back reggae rhythms.
They achieved international fame in the 1980s with a string of hit singles. Their reggae covers of older pop and soul songs, including Neil Diamond’s 'Red Red Wine' (a global chart-topper in both the UK and US), 'I Got You Babe' (featuring Chrissie Hynde), and '(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You', became worldwide anthems.
Beyond covers, original albums like Signing Off (1980) and Labour of Love (1983) cemented the band’s reputation, tackling themes of unemployment, political struggle, and racial unity.
Soon after departing from UB40 in 2008, Ali Campbell released the albums Running Free (2007) and Flying High (2009).
Keyboardist Mickey Virtue joined him on this journey, and later, in 2013, vocalist Astro reunited with Ali to complete a new line-up.
Together, they formed UB40 ft Ali, Astro & Mickey, carrying forward the original spirit of the group with Campbell’s authentic voice at its core.
Until his passing in 2021, Astro was a key part of this line-up, and Campbell continues to honour that legacy in every performance.
Fans at Forest Live can expect a vibrant set that celebrates this journey – from classics like 'Cherry Oh Baby', 'Please Don’t Make Me Cry', and 'Kingston Town'.
Support for the shows will come from fellow Brummie and British reggae, lovers’ rock, and ragga singer, songwriter, and producer Bitty McLean.
Known for his UK Top 10 hits in the mid-1990s, such as 'It Keeps Rainin’ (Tears from My Eyes)', Bitty began his career singing on his father’s sound system before releasing several albums and touring internationally, collaborating with reggae legends including Sly and Robbie.
Also supporting will be the UKs number one reggae, dancehall and jungle sound-system, Reggae Roast Featuring MC Horseman.
For tickets, visit forestlive.com.
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