THE sound of reggae and pop will fill the grounds of Blenheim Palace as it plays host to chart-toppers UB40, ska icon Jimmy Cliff and Aswad.

The bands, announced today, are the final acts to be named for this summer’s Noctune Live series of concert at the Woodstock stately home. They play on the final night of the four-day festival, which runs from June 18-21.

They join previously announced acts Lionel Richie, Simple Minds, Deacon Blue, David Gray, Lighthouse Family and Nerina Pallot on the line-up.

Multi-million-selling UB40, featuring founding members Ali Cambell and Astro, headline the Sunday show.

The Birmingham band became a household name around the world throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s with their popular covers of Red Red Wine, Kingston Town and (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You alongside their own tunes Food For Thought, King and One In Ten.

They released a string of chart-topping albums, received multiple Grammy nominations, and went on to enjoy sales of over 70 million.

Read more: Nile Rodgers to bring Chic vibe to this Oxfordshire music festival

While UB40’s soft, radio-friendly music divides reggae fans, Jamaican singer Jimmy Cliff is universally hailed as a true legend of the genre.

The Grammy Award-winning musician, actor, singer, songwriter and producer is an undisputed pioneer of Jamaican music and one of the most revered songwriters of his time. Hits include the anthems I Can See Clearly Now, The Harder They Come, Many Rivers To Cross, You Can Get It If You Really Want, and Wonderful World, Beautiful People.

Read more: Foals and Supergrass hit home turf for only Oxfordshire festival appearances

The third act on the bass-heavy bill, Aswad are one of the UK’s most successful reggae band. They scored a huge UK number one in 1988 with Don’t Turn Around and also had hits with tunes Give a Little Love, On and On, Next to You, Best of My Love, How Long, and Shine.

The band still features original members Angus ‘Drummie Zeb’ Gaye and Tony ‘Gad’ Robinson.

Tickets for UB40 feat Ali & Astro, Jimmy Cliff and Aswad start at £35 and go on sale on Friday from nocturnelive.com.

Nocturne Live 2020: The full line-up:

Thursday June 18th

  • David Gray – White Ladder 20th Anniversary
  • Lighthouse Family
  • Nerina Pallot

Friday June 19th

  • Simple Minds
  • Deacon Blue

Saturday June 20th *SOLD OUT*

  • Lionel Richie

Sunday June 21st

  • UB40 feat Ali & Astro
  • Jimmy Cliff
  • Aswad