The world's most popular reggae artists, UB40 – including original band members Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue – are returning to Rotorua on Saturday, January 9 to perform at a new location of the city's Lakefront.

UB40 will be joined by a spectacular line-up, including Music Hall of Fame inductees Herbs, New Zealand pop/rock star Jason Kerrison, poly-funk royalty Ardijah, jungle-reggae masters Manalion and X-Factor winner Beau Monga.

Astro (left), Mickey Virtue and Ali Campbell. Photo: Supplied.

Early bird tickets have already sold out, and only general admission and a limited number of VIP tickets remain.

The special line-up will only appear in Rotorua and, with limited capacity at the Lakefront site, tickets are expected to sell out well in advance of the gig.

UB40's visit to Rotorua is part of their seven-night Red Red Wine Tour, but Rotorua has always held a special place in the band's hearts after they enjoyed huge crowds at their previous concerts in the city.

January's concert is expected to be no exception, and organisers have added the special guest acts exclusively for the Rotorua show.

UB40 first appeared in Rotorua in 2006, and returned again in 2008 to headline the first Raggamuffin reggae festival in front of more than 30,000 fans.

During a massive two-hour performance, original band members Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue will be performing the group's all time reggae classics from their long and successful career.

Formed in 1979, UB40 have achieved No.1 albums, multiple gold and platinum hits, Grammy nominations, four worldwide No.1s and over 70 million album sales.

Among their many hits are Red Red Wine, Cherry Oh Baby, Kingston Town, (Can't help) Falling In Love With You, Rat In Mi Kitchen and countless others. Lead singer Ali Campbell is also is well known in New Zealand for his judging role on New Zealand's Got Talent.

Tickets for the January 9 concert are $99 (plus booking fee) for adults, with children 12 and under free (one per paying adult).

Limited numbers of VIP tickets are available for $199 (plus booking fee). VIP patrons will enjoy their own exclusive bar, toilet facilities and a reserved area at the side of the stage with an unbeatable view of the gig.

Tickets can be booked via: www.eventfinda.co.nz or by calling: 0800 BUY TIX (289 849). They are also available from the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, Rotorua i-SITE, Oppies Takeaways in Fenton Street and Mana Adventures at Rotorua Lakefront.