Simply Red to headline at Newmarket Racecourses

Simply Red Newmarket Racecourses: Newmarket Racecourses are thrilled to reveal the first artist for the 2027 Summer season. SIMPLY RED will bring their ‘Summer Simply Red to Headline Newmarket Racecoursesunk ‘27’ tour to the historic racecourse on Saturday 21st August, with Mick Hucknall and the band delivering good times and a celebratory atmosphere to a warm summer’s eve on the green. 

‘Summer Funk ‘27’ will be Simply Red’s first tour since their 2025 40th anniversary celebrations and marks their long-awaited return to Newmarket, having last headlined in 2010. While the show will be full of mammoth crowd-pleasing moments and their 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 performance is made all the more special by its iconic setting. The tour features a select group of legendary historic venues across Europe, placing Newmarket’s July Course alongside world-famous sites such as the Anfiteatro degli Scavi in Pompeii and Pula’s Colosseum.

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 said “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.”

Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses and International Director, said “We are delighted to reveal Simply Red as the first headliner in our 2027 season and to welcome them back to the July Course. Newmarket Nights is all about creating unforgettable memories for music and racing fans alike and featuring on the same tour route as such historic European venues truly highlights the prestige of our stage. With world-class racing followed by an incredible evening of hits, it’s going to be an unmissable highlight of the summer, and we look forward to sharing more exciting headliners soon.”

The Newmarket Nights series continues to set the standard for value-packed entertainment in the East, combining thrilling afternoon racing with full headline performances from some of the nation’s biggest music stars. With a single ticket granting access to both world-class racing and live music, fans enjoy an unforgettable afternoon (and night out) at exceptional value. The experience is further enhanced by a diverse range of food options, from vibrant street food offerings to Newmarket’s renowned selection of outstanding restaurants.

Tickets for SIMPLY RED will be on sale at 10am on Friday 25th September via thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket, priced starting from £45. There will be a presale at 10am on Tuesday 22nd September for those on the Newmarket Racecourses mailing list, register here.