HE was one of the best-selling artists of the 21st Century with an album that spent three years in the top 100 chart.

Now, award-winning singer-songwriter David Gray is heading to Cumbria for one of the most popular annual events in the summer season.

The Babylon singer will take to the stage at unique Cartmel Racecourse as part of an international tour on Friday, June 26 next year. His performance will follow a full day of British horse racing at the picturesque track near Grange.

Geraldine McKay, Cartmel Racecourse manager, said: “We are genuinely delighted to be able to announce David Gray for our June concert day.

“He has so many fantastic, timeless hits that everyone loves.

“We know he’ll be perfect for the Cartmel stage. It’s going to be an unforgettable day.”

Cartmel Racecourse enjoys nine days of National Hunt horse racing every year.

The 2020 season gets underway with the three-day Whit Meeting on Saturday, May 23.

Concert Day takes place in June and sees a renowned act entertain the crowds in the surroundings of the beautiful Cartmel Valley.

The event will celebrate the 20th anniversary of David’s landmark album White Ladder - which spent three years in the top 100 chart and was the platform which propelled him to world-wide acclaim.

Tickets are on sale from 9am today.

Geraldine added: “Our whole team are over the moon that David Gray will be performing here at Cartmel next year. This is a very special venue with an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

“We’re all looking forward to Friday, June 26 and we know our racegoers will too.”

David, who commences an international tour next year, said: “It’s the 20th anniversary of White Ladder, a unique record with its own remarkable history.

“Jammed full with big, open hearted songs and flooded with a raw emotional energy.

“It’s an album that came from nowhere to steal the hearts of millions all over the world, completely transforming my own life in the process.

“Twenty years on it feels like White Ladder is just as alive for people now as it was back then.”

A limited number of tickets are on sale at a special introductory price of £39 each and include a day of racing. Under 12's go free. To book visit cartmel-racecourse.co.uk or call 015395 36340.