Summer Sessions concert series returns next week with headliners including Paul Weller and Tom Grennan

The annual concert series is heading back to Bedford Park, with Scottish pop-rockers Deacon Blue kicking off proceedings on Thursday, July 2, with gigs then taking place on consecutive nights.

Formed in Glasgow in 1985, Deacon Blue have sold more than seven million albums worldwide and achieved a string of major hits including Dignity, Real Gone Kid, Wages Day, and Fergus Sings the Blues.

Their music - full of soaring choruses, heartfelt storytelling and a distinctly Scottish sense of soul, has made them one of Britain’s most enduring and best-loved bands.

Last year, they released their latest studio album, The Great Western Road.

The following night, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will headline.

UB40 formed in Birmingham in the late 1970s, going onto become one of the most successful reggae bands in the world.

They have sold more than 100 million records worldwide and released more than 50 UK hit singles, including (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, Red Red Wine and I Got You Babe which all topped the charts.

Bedford’s Tom Grennan will take to the stage after headlining the venue in 2022.

The singer-songwriter released his fourth album Everywhere I Went Led Me To Where I Didn't Want To Be last August.

It was his third consecutive UK number one album and followed previous chart-topping records What Ifs & Maybes and Evering Road and his 2018 debut Lighting Matches.

Grennan is best known for tracks including Found What I’ve Been Looking For, Little Bit Of Love and Let’s Go Home Together.

He returns to Bedford following a sold-out arena tour last year – with next week’s gig one of a host of outdoor shows he’s playing this summer.

Rounding off the weekend will be Paul Weller who is also returning to the Bedford venue having also previously headlined in 2022.

Weller formed The Jam with bassist Bruce Foxton and drummer Rick Buckler and achieved instant success with their 1977 debut single In The City.

The album with which it shared its title has come to be regarded alongside Never Mind The B******s and London Calling as one of the most significant albums of the punk era.

After dissolving The Jam at the peak of their powers, Weller swiftly re-emerged alongside keyboard player Mick Talbot in The Style Council.

As a solo artist, Weller forged his own path with acclaimed albums including Wild Wood and Stanley Road, which helped shape a new era of British guitar music.

His creative restlessness has continued into the 21st century with records like 22 Dreams, On Sunset and his latest album 66 which was released in 2024.

Deacon Blue headline on Thursday, July 2. Support is by Lightning Seeds.

General admission tickets cost £60.25. Tickets for The Retreat Standing cost £98.20 or £173.50 for VIP Terrace Standing.

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headline on Friday, July 3. Support is by Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast – featuring Mc Horseman.

General admission tickets cost £52.15. Tickets for The Retreat Standing cost £85.75 or £161.25 for VIP Terrace Standing.

Tom Grennan returns to Bedford Park on Saturday, July 4. Support is by Brooke Combe and Fiona-Lee.

General admission tickets cost £60.55. Tickets for The Retreat Standing cost £94.15 or £195.50 for VIP Terrace Standing.

Finally, Paul Weller headlines on Sunday, July 5. Support is by Miles Kane and Arkayla.

General admission tickets cost £67.30. Tickets for Retreat Standing cost £100.90 or £176.10 for VIP Terrace Standing.

Four-day festival passes are available and cost £199.

For more information about all shows and to buy tickets, visit https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/bedford