The night’s warm-up came from Bobby Kray, a surprisingly young act considering the headliners. His sound was the perfect accompaniment to our picnics: relaxed and unobtrusive. After a long break, UB40's many members crammed on to the stage. Led by Ali Campbell, the Birmingham eight-piece played a set that swept their back catalogue, from the Labour Of Love albums to 2005's long-player, Who You Fighting For. Standout tracksThe standout tracks were their first number one hit, Red Red Wine, and the classic Kingston Town, which even the most resistant gig-goer couldn’t help singing along to. UB40 have been around for more than 25 years, and as one of the most successful bands through the '80s and early '90s, they have stuck with their past winning ways. This works well for their loyal fans but is unlikely to earn them any new ones; the good old formula seems stuck in the '80s and leaves all songs sounding far too alike. Spanning the generationsI had expected to look out of place at this show but, although the average age of the audience was somewhere past 30, the crowd ranged from young children with their parents through to 20-somethings and beyond. And it’s not that surprising. Most people can name at least one or two of the band’s songs and the feelgood reggae-pop is perfect to sway to on a summer's evening. Relaxed atmosphereThe beauty of Blickling Hall's outside concerts is that recognising just a few songs is enough.  | | Astro on stage at Blickling |
Whether you sat on the grass eating your picnic nodding along to Homely Girl, stood next to the stage to sing along to every word or ambling between the two, you'd have had an enjoyable night. And it is in this context that UB40 come into their own. Their laidback sound is perfectly suited to these gigs. The sea of waving arms and the low hum of singing voices when the band played (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You was definitely the highlight. Even though I didn’t leave their show vowing to buy the greatest hits as soon as possible, I had a lovely evening. UB40 played at Blickling Hall on Friday 14 July, 2006.Photo credits: Laura Brady. | 
