UB40 featuring Ali Campbell announce forest gigs

Ali Campbell is one of the founding members of the original UB40

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell are the first headliners announced for an outdoor concert series celebrating its 25th anniversary next year.

They will be supported by Bitty McLean, as well as Reggae Roast featuring MC Horseman, at the Forest Live gigs at Delamere Forest in Cheshire, Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire, Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire and High Lodge, Thetford Forest in Suffolk.

The group has performed at the Forest Live concerts a number of times over the years, with their first appearance in 2006.

UB40 was originally formed by a group of friends from Birmingham almost 50 years ago.

Known for their socially aware lyrics and reggae rhythms, they achieved international fame in the 1980s with a string of hit singles.

Their covers of older pop and soul songs, including Neil Diamond's Red Red Wine, and I Got You Babe featuring Chrissie Hynde, helped propel them to international recognition.

"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," Campbell said.

"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."

After a fall out in 2008, Campbell left the band and went on to team up with keyboardist Mickey Virtue and, later, vocalist Astro.

The Forest Live gigs help contribute to Forestry England's role of managing 1,500 woods and forests which see about 300 million visits per year.

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will be performing on the following dates:

• Delamere Forest – 19 June

• High Lodge, Thetford Forest – 21 June

• Westonbirt Arboretum – 25 June

• Cannock Chase Forest – 27 June