UB40's third gig in region

BIRMINGHAM’S world-famous reggae stars UB40 have announced an eight-date UK tour, taking in Newcastle's MetroRadio Arena on Wednesday, December 6, which follows shows at Darlington's Northern Echo Arena on Sunday, May 28 and Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Friday, June 30

The Tyneside appearance will feature UB40’s five founding members Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan, and long-time members Duncan Campbell, Martin Meredith, Lawrence Parry and Tony Mullings.

Robin Campbell says, “UB40 are very excited to be returning to some of the biggest venues in the UK during our Cities and Towns tour in December 2017. Hits on the set-list should include Food For Thought, One In Ten, Kingston Town, (I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You and Red, Red Wine.

Tickets costing £35 standing, £37.50 and £75 VIP go on sale at 9am Friday, December 16 and are available online, from metroradioarena.co.uk, the booking hotline number 0844-493-6666 or, from 10am, at the MetroRadio Arena Box Office.

* Scarborough Box Office: ticketmaster.co.uk or scarboroughopenairtheatre.com

* The Darlington Northern Echo Arena show featuring original members Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue, backed by an eight-piece reggae band, will be bringing the band's blend of reggae and pop greatest hits to the forefront of the British summer events calendar. They will be joined by Level 42 – also performing a host of their greatest hits – The Original Wailers, featuring Al Anderson and Raging Fyah. Tickets are £35 plus booking fee (general admission) and £50 plus booking fee (platinum enclosure)

Box Office: UB40.org; ticketmaster.co.uk or lhgtickets.com

Viv Hardwick