The iconic British reggae band will perform classics from their catalogue alongside brand-new tracks from their upcoming studio album
Iconic British reggae band UB40 have announced a major UK tour for 2026 following their sold-out global run this year – and it’s coming to Hull. The group will be touring the nation with an unmissable live show, performing classics from their catalogue alongside new tracks from their forthcoming studio album that is set for release in spring next year.
Maxi Priest and Aswad will join as special guests for what marks the UK’s biggest reggae tour. Multi Grammy Award-winning British reggae artist Maxi Priest – best known for his massive hits Close To You and Top 5 single Wild World, a cover of the Cat Stevens classic – is one of the most successful solo reggae artists of all time.
Three-time Grammy nominees Aswad are also set to join the party. Over a career spanning four decades, the British reggae group have enjoyed significant chart success with hits like Don’t Turn Around and Shine. They were previously awarded Outstanding Contribution To Music by MOBO.
The 2026 UK tour will see UB40 perform at Hull’s Connexin Live on Tuesday, June 9. They will also take in Brighton, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Swansea, Plymouth and Bournemouth, before culminating with a hometown show in Birmingham. The group’s forthcoming album will be the first since UB45 – the band’s 2024 chart-topping release celebrating 45 years in music – which saw them return to the UK Top 5 Album Charts and earned critical acclaim worldwide.
UB40 remain the most successful reggae act of all time, with more than 100 million albums sold globally, along with dozens of UK Top 40 singles and albums. Formed in Birmingham in 1978, the band are renowned for political and social commentary with their unmistakable sound, winning the hearts and minds of generations of fans in the UK and around the world.
Robin Campbell, founding member of UB40, said: “We never take the privilege of playing live for granted, which is why we went everywhere we could on our last tour. But there’s nothing quite like doing it in front of the fans back home. After an incredible world tour, we can’t wait to bring that energy back to UK stages in 2026.
“This new album feels like the start of a fresh chapter for us. But we never forget where we came from, so when we go onstage at these UK shows, we’ll be showing a lot of love for the songs that got us there, alongside the ones taking us forward.”
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, November 7. More details are available at connexinlivehull.com and tegeurope.com.
What restaurant would you like to see in Hull? You can have your say by completing the poll below or by clicking here.