POP band Simply Red are set to perform at an Essex racecourse this summer.

The British band are booked to play an open air show at Chelmsford City Racecourse on July 1.

It is one of just a handful of live performances for the band's 30-year anniversary tour.

Lead singer Mick Hucknall said: “As far as I can remember, this will be our first time as a band playing in Essex.

“Up to this point, people have usually had to travel into London to come to the shows so I’m looking forward to getting over to Chelmsford and playing for them all there.”

“We have some great fans from there. It should be a good night!”

He added: “It’s also a great change of scenery to be playing at a beautiful cricket ground or at a racecourse as we will be this year.

“We’ll definitely be hoping for good weather but that being said, some of the best shows we’ve ever played have been when it’s poured down with rain."

The band has sold 60 million records worldwide, including hits such as Stars, Fairground, Something Got Me Started and Holding Back The Years.

Joe Scanlon, Chairman of Chelmsford City Racecourse, said: "We love bringing music to Chelmsford and after the success of the Madness concert in June 2015, in partnership with LHG Live, we needed to ensure that the next show we put on was of the highest calibre.

"We are delighted to be working with LHG again to bring Simply Red to Chelmsford City Racecourse."

For tickets, which cost between £45 and £60, go to ticketmaster.co.uk, simplyred.com, lizhobbsgroup.com or chelmsfordcityracecourse.com, info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com.

Hospitality packages are also available by emailing info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com.