UB40 ft Ali Campbell announced as first headliner for TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions 2026.
Bedford, get ready - the first big headline act for TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions 2026 has just landed. Kicking off the summer in style, we’re thrilled to announce UK reggae icons UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will return to Bedford Park on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a huge open-air show. Tickets go on general sale Friday 26th September at 10am from smmrsessions.com/bedford but fans can access presale tickets 24 hours early by signing up to the Cuffe & Taylor presale at CuffeandTaylor.com
It’s been over a decade since UB40 ft Ali Campbell last played in Bedford, and their return is set to be one of the standout moments of the summer. From the minute they hit the stage, expect an electric atmosphere - packed with the classic reggae-pop grooves that have made them one of the most celebrated British bands of all time.
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 TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions 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 ethnic 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.
In 2008, Ali Campbell departed from UB40 due to severe financial mismanagement 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 Bedford 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 TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions show promises to be unforgettable celebration 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.
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.
Tickets are on sale from 10am on Friday 26th September 2025. Available here - https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/bedford
