Festival headliners pull out citing ‘Covid issue’
Two former members of UB40 failed to appear at the Bath Festival Finale last weekend as the band was forced to withdraw due to a “Covid-related issue”.
The two-day festival saw hundreds of revellers gather at Bath Recreation Ground as music fans enjoyed Mcfly, Scouting for Girls, Billy Ocean, Seth Lakeman and other acts.
Ali Campbell and Astro, who were formerly part of UB40, was due to headline the festival on Sunday but pulled out due to an unspecified issue among the touring party.
The original UB40 band, which was formed in 1978, still exists as a separate entity.
A statement on the Bath Festival Finale website said: “UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro are unable to perform at The Bath Festival Finale Weekend today due to a Covid-related issue in the touring party.
“All the crew and band members are now self-isolating.
“We are delighted that the wonderful Billy Ocean will be taking the headline spot with support act of Fun Lovin’ Criminals, and the brilliant BLOCO B now performing a special set on the main stage.”
According to Bath Chronicle reporter Nancy Connolly, who was at the event, the MC came on stage at around 3pm on Sunday to break the news.
Ms Connolly said: “The MC just came out and announced on stage UB40 had to pull out due to coronavirus. Nobody seemed to mind, everyone was so happy to be out and listening to music again in Bath.
“People living nearby were out on their balconies and all the windows were open.
“Billy Ocean was superb and did a longer set and Fun Lovin’ Criminals were sublime, had everyone on their feet. They even played Red Red Wine and had everyone singing, it was great and the weather was really hot and sunny.”
The festival had been postponed since May due to coronavirus.
■ Festival finale: Page 15