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Reggae legends UB40 announce massive Manchester arena gig
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Danny Jones -
3rd November 2025 
UK reggae icons UB40 have just announced a massive run of domestic arena dates, including a huge show at an equally legendary venue here in Manchester.
The Brummy veterans of the British reggae and ska scene have been going for more than four decades now, blending both pop and rocksteady styles, as well as other Caribbean influences into their music.
A cult favourite group since their inception, whose lineup has always remained fluid – sometimes featuring more than nine different musicians on stage – they’re known for their brilliant live sets just as much as their studio material.
Started by the Campbell family, the current roster still includes four of the six founding members, and with singer Matt Doyle now serving as the modern lead singer since 2021, there’s still plenty of energy, youth and experience to their spirited gigs.
Revealing a return to Manchester and yet another trip to the AO Arena on Monday morning, 3 November, UB40, this isn’t the first time they’ve played these hallowed halls.
They will also be joined by R’n’B/reggae-fusion artist Maxi Priest, as well as fellow contemporaries, Aswad – another seasoned act who have been making music in the genre and performing live since way back in 1975.
Speaking on the comeback, co-founder Robin Campbell said: “For more than 40 years, we’ve been one of the hardest working touring bands in pop music.
“We aim to have a party every show. As much as we enjoyed our Zoom chats [about more shows] during lockdown, there’s no substitute for the relationship and synergy we have with our live audiences.”
Dropping a definitive UB45 compilation featuring their greatest hits back in April 2024 – and celebrating as many years in their recording career – UB40 are also set to release another new album next year, in line with the fresh UK tour dates.
We’re pleased to announce our June, 2026 UK Arena Tour with special guests @MaxiPriest & @aswadband!
— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) November 3, 2025
Sign up to our newsletter via the link below for more info on how to access the ticket pre-sale and to find out more about how to pre-order our new studio album coming in 2026.
UB40’s Manchester gig enters exclusive early access for Three+ members this Wednesday, 5 November from 9am onwards.
You can see the rest of their dates, including several up in the North, down below.
- Monday 1 June – Brighton, Brighton Centre
- Wednesday 3 June – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
- Friday 5 June – London – OVO Arena Wembley
- Saturday 6 June – Manchester, AO Arena
- Sunday 7 June – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
- Tuesday 9 June – Hull, Connexin Live
- Thursday 11 June – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
- Friday 12 June – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
- Saturday 13 June – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
- Tuesday 16 June – Swansea, Swansea Building Society Arena
- Wednesday 17 June – Plymouth, Pavilions
- Thursday 18 June – Bournemouth, BIC
- Saturday 20 June – Birmingham, BP Pulse Live
Venue presale will be available from the same time on Thursday, before general admission tickets go live on the following Friday (7 Nov).
You can get ready to grab your tickets to see UB40 in Manchester at the AO Arena on Saturday, 6 June 2026, right HERE.
Read more:
- Richard Ashcroft and Blossoms to headline Neighbourhood Weekender 2026 lineup
- Five Greater Manchester-based artists we’ve been listening to this month | October 2025
- Bloc Party and Interpol announce exclusive co-headline tour and a pair of Manchester gigs
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Pres shots (supplied)
