Forest Live 2026: Headline act announced as UB40 ft Ali Campbell for 25th anniversary concert at Cannock Chase and how to get tickets

Forest Live has announced its headline act for its 25th anniversary in 2026 as UB40 ft Ali Campbell.

Bringing summer reggae vibes, UB40 ft Ali Campbell will be taking to the stages across all four Forest Live venues in June, including Cannock Chase on June 27.

The other dates and venues for Forestry England’s sumer concert series, presented with Cuffe & Taylor, are: Forestry England Delamere – June 19; High Lodge, Thetford Forest – June  21, and Westonbirt Arboretum – June 26.

UB40 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 authentic 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. 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.”

UB40 is a seminal reggae pop band from Birmingham, originally formed by a group of friends from diverse backgrounds. From the beginning, the band became known for its socially aware lyrics and laid-back reggae rhythms. 

With Campbell’s unmistakable voice leading the way, UB40 blended reggae, dub, and pop into a sound that helped bring the genre into the mainstream.

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.

Why are there different UB40 bands?

In 2008, Ali Campbell departed from UB40 due to differences within the band's management. 

Soon after, he released the albums Running Free (2007) and Flying High (2009), which showcased his unmistakable vocals and love of reggae. Keyboardist Mickey Virtue joined him on this journey, and later, in 2013, vocalist Astro reunited with Ali to complete a powerful 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” 

Now, UB40 ft Ali Campbell continues to go from strength to strength, performing sold out shows on world tours and delighting fans old and new with their timeless reggae sound. With Ali’s unmistakable vocals at the heart of the band, the legacy remains stronger than ever and the Forest Live 25th anniversary shows promise to be unforgettable celebrations of music, unity, and summer vibes.

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.

Who else is playing at Forest Live 2026?

Also supporting UB40 ft Ali Campbell will be Reggae Roast Featuring MC Horseman. Reggae Roast are the UKs No. 1 Reggae, Dancehall & Jungle Soundsystem crew. Combining a record label, live events and extensive online store, they have forged a reputation as the leading light in the resurgence of the UK Soundsystem scene. Reggae Roast are proud to have the legendary Horseman as one of the main MCs in the crew. With over 40 years skin in the game, Horseman is a true veteran of the UK Reggae scene, with a long and prolific career working with the likes of Mad Professor, Adrian Sherwood, Scientist, Jah Shaka, and Prince Fatty. 

A bit more information about Forestry England and how to get tickets to Forest Live 2026

Forestry England manage and care for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests. They use the money Forest Live raises to maintain these beautiful natural areas for everyone to enjoy, run important conservation projects and keep growing trees.

Each year, they plant over 7 million trees and welcomed 313 million visits in 2024/25. Everyone in England lives within a one-hour drive of one of the nation’s forests. Over 2.5 million people have enjoyed the Forest Live gigs over the last 25 years.

2026 not only sees the 25th Anniversary of Forest Live Shows but also sees Forestry England present the concert series in partnership with Live Nation’s Cuffe & Taylor for the third year running.

UB40 ft Ali Campbell with support from Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast Featuring MC Horseman

Friday 19 June 2026: Forestry England Delamere 

Sunday 21 June 2026: Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford 

Thursday 25 June 2026: Forestry England Westonbirt Arboretum 

Saturday 27 June 2026: Forestry England Cannock Chase

Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on Friday 26 September, with Presales starting from Tuesday 23rd September and fans can sign up for information, announcements, and exclusive pre-sale access at forestlive.com.