The announcement follows the outstanding success of this year’s Tom Jones and Nile Rodgers & CHIC concert, which attracted more than 17,000 music fans and became the biggest music event ever staged at Chester Racecourse. With tickets selling out and visitors travelling from across the North West and beyond, the concert generated an incredible response from fans and further demonstrated the city’s growing reputation as a destination for major live entertainment events.
Having spent this year away from the spotlight, Simply Red now announce details of a very special UK and European headline tour for 2027. The ‘Summer Funk ‘27’ tour will see Mick Hucknall and the band play a unique high-energy set, bringing good times and a celebratory atmosphere throughout the sun-kissed summer months.
While the show will be full of their mammoth crowd-pleasing moments and biggest hits – the rollercoaster rush of ‘Fairground’, the potent funk of ‘Something Got Me Started’, the sumptuous soul of ‘Money’s Too Tight (To Mention)’- the uplifting nature of the songs will be complemented by some very special locations.
The tour mixes up remarkable historic locations, such as the Anfiteatro agli Scavi in Pompei, Italy, and Pula’s Colosseum, alongside venues surrounded by stunning natural scenery such as Sauerland Park in Hemer, Germany. Other highlights include their first ever show at Gunnersbury Park, London and Halifax’s renowned Piece Hall, and two nights at the state-of-the-art Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.
Led by Mick Hucknall, whose timeless blue-eyed soul vocal is as remarkable, powerful and passionate as ever, Simply Red also features Ian Kirkham (sax, EWI, brass), Kenji Suzuki (guitar), Kevin Robinson (trumpet, horns, percussion), Roman Roth (drums), Gary Sanctuary (keys) and Orefo Orakwue (bass).
Mick Hucknall says, “We can’t wait to get back out on the road again in summer 2027 to perform at some incredible and historic venues across the UK and Europe. You can expect a set full of Simply Red upbeat hits to get you on your feet having fun in the sun with friends and family.”
The pre-sale opens at 10am local time on Tuesday, September 22nd. Remaining tickets will then go on general sale at 10am BST on Thursday September 24th for the UK, and 10am local time on Friday 25th September for Europe.
‘Summer Funk ‘27’ will be Simply Red’s first tour since their 2025 40th anniversary celebration. The tour sold-out almost 50 venues across the UK, Europe and Latin America, delighting fans and leading to a critical reappraisal of their talents. The tour was documented with the live album, film and box set ‘Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago’, an electrifying mix of rambunctious R&B and tender, emotive balladeering.
Simply Red have maintained their position as one of the UK’s biggest bands throughout their 40+ year history. The stats tell their own story: five #1 albums, a #1 single and another nine Top 10 hits, plus three BRIT Awards, two Ivor Novellos, and the MOBO Award for Outstanding Achievement. Over in North America, they secured two #1 smashes on Billboard’s Hot 100 as well as earning multiple Platinum certifications and three Grammy nominations. Their 1991 classic ‘Stars’ was the best-selling album for two years running in Britain and Europe, and every Simply Red studio album has reached the UK Top Ten. The scale of the ‘Summer Funk ‘27’ tour again underlines their immense appeal.
Guests will be able to enjoy a wide selection of food and drink offerings across the Open Course before and throughout the evening, while hospitality packages will offer premium dining experiences and exclusive facilities.
Steve Davies, COO at Chester Race Company, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Simply Red to Chester Racecourse next summer. Following the incredible success of our Tom Jones and Nile Rodgers & CHIC concert this year, we wanted to bring another truly iconic act to the city and Simply Red certainly fits the bill.
“Their music has stood the test of time and continues to attract fans of all ages. We’re expecting another fantastic atmosphere as thousands of people come together to enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music in the heart of Chester.
“Concerts like this demonstrate the versatility of Chester Racecourse as an events venue and reinforce Chester’s reputation as a destination for major events. As well as creating lasting memories for music fans, these events deliver real economic benefits to hotels, restaurants, attractions and businesses across the city. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far next August.”
Tickets will go on sale on Thursday 24th September, with hospitality packages and premium experiences also available.
