One of the UK’s best-loved reggae bands will return to a seaside venue next year for an outdoor concert.

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will once again perform for crowds at Dreamland as part of next year’s Margate Summer Series, having last played the colourful venue in 2023.

The group is the second act to be announced for next summer’s string of outdoor concerts at the open-air attraction, following the news earlier this month that singer Olly Murs will be part of the 2025 series.

The reggae pop act first started performing together in the 1970s, with the peak of their fame coming after the release of their 1983 hit Red Red Wine.

The Neil Diamond cover topped the charts in the UK and helped the band gain popularity overseas.

Their string of singles also include Kingston Town, Can't Help Falling in Love and I Got You Babe.

The group, which originally included members such as rapper Astro, bassist Earl Falconer and trombonist Norman Hassan, remained together until 2008 when frontman Ali Campbell announced his departure.

In 2014, Campbell, alongside other original members Astro and Mickey Virtue, reunited to perform together under the UB40 name - despite other original members also still gigging together under the same name, with Duncan Campbell stepping in as his brother’s replacement.

Since then, Astro - whose real name was Terence Wilson but was given the nickname after apparently wearing Dr. Martens Astronaut boots to school - passed away at the age of 64 in November 2021.

Keyboardist Mickey Virtue had previously left the band in 2018.

The only original UB40 member who now remains in the newly reformed group is Ali Campbell, who will be joined on stage by a number of other musicians for the headline show in Margate.

“We play the hits because that’s what people want to hear,’ says the singer. “We’ve been developing this set for 16 years, gradually climbing back into the big arenas.

“I think I’ve got the best reggae band in the world, and you can quote me on that. They are all seasoned musicians, who have spent all their lives in professional bands, and I feel so confident with them.

“The past few years have been tough for a lot of people. There’s a lot of darkness in the world. I’ve lost close friends long before their time. But life goes on, and this group seems to leave a good vibe wherever we play.”

Kent’s vintage fairground saw a number of high-profile concerts this summer, with artists like Nile Rodgers, Bryan Adams, Busted, Limp Bizkit, Paloma Faith and Becky Hill performing headline concerts on the Scenic Stage.

Tickets to see UB40 featuring Ali Campbell at Dreamland next year go on sale on Friday, November 1 at 10am. You can book tickets online here.

The band will perform in Margate on Saturday, July 12 2025.

KentOnline may receive a commission from any ticket sales generated by this story.