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SIMPLY Red, one of the biggest selling British bands of all time, will join superstar pop singer Lionel Richie on a glittering line-up of acts at Blenheim Palace next summer.

They join Simple Minds, David Gray and UB40 featuring Ali and Astro for the Nocturne Live festival, in the courtyard from Wednesday to Sunday, June 15 to 19.

Support acts include Macy Gray, Deacon Blue, Brand New Heavies, Nerina Pallot, Jimmy Cliff, Aswad and James Morrison.

Lionel Richie has released 10 studio albums, including the multi-platinum, number one hit Can’t Slow Down, and 40 singles, including chart-topper Hello. He headlines the 10,000-capacity Great Court on the Sunday, with support from Macy Gray.

Simply Red are one of the best-selling British bands of all time with global album sales of over 60 million.

Fronted by Mick Hucknall, the multi-Brit Award-winning group, whose 1991 album Stars was the best-selling album for two years running in Britain and Europe, topped the US charts twice with their massive hits If You Don’t Know Me By Now and Holding Back The Years.

They will top the bill with support from Brand New Heavies on the Wednesday.

Scottish pop act Simple Minds, fronted by Jim Kerr, have scored five number one albums and 52 singles including chart-topping hits Don’t You (Forget About Me) and Belfast Child. Other hits include Glittering Prize, Someone Somewhere in Summertime, Waterfront, and Alive and Kicking. He plays the Saturday with Deacon Blue.

Oxford Mail:

Hello! It's Lionel Richie

With their radio-friendly pop-reggae, UB40 were one of the biggest acts of the 80s. While the band split into two factions, frontman Ali Campbell and vocalist Astro are regarded by many as the best interpretors of their music, which includes the hits Red Red Wine, (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You, Rat in Mi Kitchen, Homely Girl and I Got You Babe. They play the Friday with Jimmy Cliff and Aswad.

David Gray, who performs on the Thursday, will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of his album White Ladder, which includes the songs Please Forgive Me, Sail Away and Babylon.

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Support will come from James Morrison and Nerina Pallot. Nocturne Live Founder Ciro Romano said: “We’re overjoyed to have added Simply Red to the line-up for next summer’s Nocturne Live.

“It’s going to be a wonderful feeling having everyone finally back together at Blenheim Palace enjoying five nights of incredible music against the beautiful backdrop of the Great Court.”

How to get tickets

Tickets start at £36 and go on sale at 9am on Friday via SeeTickets.

There are also VIP packages available which provide an exclusive opportunity to dine in the State Rooms of Blenheim Palace.