UB40 featuring Ali Campbell to bring 'The Big Love Tour' to Leeds this Christmas - date and tickets
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UB40 featuring Ali Campbell are set to light up Leeds during the colder months of 2026, promising an unforgettable night of timeless hits, feel-good rhythms, and unifying energy.
For fans of classic British reggae and contemporary festival vibes alike, this is the must-see live music event of the winter calendar.
Fronted by founding member Ali Campbell - the voice behind some of the most iconic songs in UK chart history - the band’s return to Leeds marks a powerful celebration of a career that has shaped generations.
Fuelled by the voice that powered UB40 to 70 million record sales and over fifty UK chart hits, Campbell is again bringing some much-needed reggae cheer to the world’s biggest stages.
While Ali’s unmistakable vocals remain at the heart of the performance, he is backed by a powerhouse ensemble of world-class musicians, ensuring that every horn line and bass groove captures the true spirit of the original records.
"We're really blessed in that we get such a mixed audience at our shows," says Ali about the UK tour and returning to the city.
"We still get the original fans, but we’ve also picked up a younger, festival crowd who are into grime and dance music. Reggae is a perfect antidote to these dark times. It’s music that unifies."
Building on a legacy that dates back 45 years to his formative years in Birmingham, Ali’s touring ensemble remains the most authentic realisation of UB40’s original aim: advancing reggae in all its guises.
With a back catalogue packed with global anthems like ‘Red Red Wine’ and ‘Kingston Town,’ this Leeds concert is set to be a standout live music experience in 2026.
When are UB40 featuring Ali Campbell performing in Leeds in 2026?
The legends of British reggae make their highly anticipated return to Leeds on December 8.
Taking over the First Direct Bank Arena, this winter date is expected to be one of the city's final major live music highlights of the year.
When can I get tickets to see UB40 featuring Ali Campbell in Leeds?
Pre-sale tickets
Tickets for the highly anticipated performance go on sale early for those looking to beat the general rush.
Three Mobile customers can grab exclusive early access starting at 10am on March 4, via the Three+ rewards app.
If you aren't on Three, you can still gain an advantage through the Venue and Ticketmaster presales, which begin at 10am on March 5. To access these, simply ensure you are signed up for the First Direct Bank Arena mailing list or have an active Ticketmaster account.
General ticket sales
For those who miss out on the early access windows, general ticket sales will open at 10am on March 6.
At this point, tickets will be available to the public via the First Direct Bank Arena official website and major platforms like Ticketmaster and AXS.