Monday 9th December2019
Drawing on their musical roots in ska, Madness were responsible for some of the most credible pop compositions of the eighties with their ability to write songs that sparkle with the spirit of British life.

Creating their trademark ‘nutty’ sound, they spent more weeks in the charts in that decade than any other group, with classic hits such as ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘My Girl’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘Embarrassment’, ‘Grey Day’, ‘House Of Fun’, ‘Driving In My Car’, ‘Our House’ and ‘Wings Of A Dove’. Famous for their legendary live shows, their performances exude good-humour and exuberance.

In 2019, the band celebrated their 40th Anniversary, including the book release ‘Before We Was We: Madness by Madness’ and sold out Roundhouse dates in their London hometown, testament to their enduring popularity as they enter the next phase of their incredible career.

With everything needed for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are well-known for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Going to a Forest Live concert helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, with income from ticket sales helping to create beautiful places for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and trees to grow.

Commenting on the Forest Live gigs, Madness said, “Madheads come down to the woods, you’ll be in for a big surprise!”

Madness with special guests The Farm and guest support Emily Capell

Time: 7.30pm to 10.30pm

Tickets: £47.00 (plus £5.70 booking fee)
On sale at 9am Friday 13 December from Forestry England box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online: www.forestryengland.uk/music  

Monday 25th November 2019
Keane has announced dates as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England.

The band made a welcome return in 2019 after a six-year hiatus, with their latest studio album ‘Cause and Effect’ and a triumphant sold-out UK tour. This release follows on from their succession of previous No 1 albums that have accumulated over 13 million sales worldwide: ‘Under The Iron Sea’, ‘Perfect Symmetry’, ‘Strangeland’ and debut smash, ‘Hopes and Fears’. Generating hit singles ‘Somewhere Only We Know’, ‘Everybody’s Changing’, ‘This Is The Last Time’ and ‘Bedshaped’, this first record became one of the biggest selling albums in UK chart history and made Keane one of the most popular bands both in Britain and internationally.

The birth of their new album, ‘Cause and Effect’, came as something of a surprise even to the band. Singer Tom Chaplin had released two successful solo albums but missed his old sparring partner Tim Rice-Oxley. “I found myself wondering how I had come to let this very enigmatic and important relationship in my life drift,” Tom says.

Meanwhile Tim had written an album’s worth of incredibly personal songs fuelled by humour as well as pain; a break-up album. When Tom, bassist Jesse Quin and drummer Richard Hughes heard the songs, they were immediately drawn to them both sonically and lyrically.

Keane last appeared as part of Forest Live in 2010, and the upcoming dates will see them return to perform material from their extensive repertoire.

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every year by Forestry England. It introduces forests to new audiences in unique, natural woodland arenas around the country. Over 1.9 million people have attended a Forest Live concert in the last nineteen years. With everything needed for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are well-known for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Going to a Forest Live concert helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, with income from ticket sales helping to create beautiful places for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and trees to grow.

Keane plus guests
Friday 12 June: Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Sunday 14 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.
Saturday 20 June: Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs.

Tickets £44.50 (plus £5.45 booking fee) go on sale at 9am Friday 29 November from Forestry England box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online:www.forestry.gov.uk/music

Monday 18th November 2019
ill Young and James Morrison have announced co-headlining dates as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England.

Will Young has spent much of the last two decades at the forefront of pop, having won the inaugural series of Pop Idol which shot him to national fame. A chart-storming career followed including seven top 5 albums (four reaching the top spot) and four number 1 singles such as ‘Leave Right Now’ and ‘Jealousy’ ensuring his standing as an iconic part of noughties UK pop culture.

With the release of his debut album, ‘Undiscovered’, singer-songwriter, James Morrison was catapulted into the limelight. The album went on to sell over a million copies with fans being enraptured by the beauty of his once-in-a-generation voice. His five Top 10 singles all rank among the biggest of their era, including the breakthrough smashes ‘You Give Me Something’ and ‘Wonderful World’, plus the huge Nelly Furtado collaboration ‘Broken Strings’.

The special concerts will see both BRIT Award winning artists perform individual sets that include greatest hits and material from their latest albums: Will’s ‘Lexicon’ and James’s ‘You’re Stronger Than You Know’.

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every year by Forestry England. It introduces forests to new audiences in unique, natural woodland arenas around the country. Over 1.9 million people have attended a Forest Live concert in the last nineteen years. With everything needed for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are well-known for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Going to a Forest Live concert helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, with income from ticket sales helping to create beautiful places for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and trees to grow.

Commenting on the tour, Will Young said, “Both James and I have fond memories of appearing as part of Forest Live as solo artists in the past. We love the work Forestry England does, so we are glad to be back again in what promises to be a fantastic double-header of a show.”

James Morrison commented, “For the last 20 years Will has been at the forefront of British Popular Culture. That’s a massive achievement. I think our sets will complement each other in a special way and I’m really looking forward to our shows together. It’ll be a great night out!”

Will Young and James Morrison

Friday 12th June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.
Sunday 14th June: Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Friday 19 June: Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk.
Sunday 21st June: Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs.
Saturday 27th June: Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorkshire.
Sunday 28th June: Sherwood Pines Forest, near Mansfield, Notts.

Tickets £49.50 (plus £5.95 booking fee) go on sale at 9am Friday 22 November from Forestry England box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online: www.forestryengland.uk/music 

Monday 18th February 2019
Hacienda Classical, the clubbing classical cross-over show has announced DJ’s and guest support for their unique concerts as part of the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live concert dates this Summer.

The performances will be curated by DJ Graeme Park, Executive Producer Peter Hook and Musical Director Tim Crooks. Special guests will be K-Klass - the 5-piece band/DJ combo features founder members Paul Roberts and Russell Morgan alongside original vocalist Bobbi Depasois. The act experienced a string of singles successes and a residence in the club charts with songs including ‘Let Me Show You’, ‘So Right’, ‘What You’re Missing’ and the classic ‘Rhythm Is A Mystery’.

Hacienda Classical has seen 5-star reviews and landmark shows at Glastonbury, Isle Of Wight Festival and London’s Royal Albert Hall among many memorable nights over the past three years. The set is played as a continuous live DJ mix where vocalists, choir, orchestra and guests all combine to create a vibrant, exciting performance. Featuring DJs who shaped the original Hacienda club sound, they perform alongside the Manchester Camerata Orchestra to recreate old school house and club anthems on an epic scale as dance heritage collides with the world of classical music.

The soundtrack and performance will include orchestral renditions of much-loved classic club records from The Hacienda’s heritage, revisiting some of the hits that have proved popular with fans as well as adding new arrangements of seminal tracks to the set. With improvement year on year, 2019’s incarnation for Hacienda Classical will build on its reputation of being one of the very best and most energetic of shows and live experiences of recent years.

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every summer by Forestry Commission England in seven beautiful forests. Over 1.75 million people have attended a forest gig in the last eighteen years. With everything required for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are renowned for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Money raised from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Graeme Park commented " “I can't believe Hacienda Classical is about to embark on a fourth year of shows. I'm particularly looking forward to the Forest Live events in Kent and Gloucestershire where the glorious outdoor surroundings promise to complement our exciting new show."

Hacienda Classical + special guests K-Klass
Saturday 15 June: Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Sunday 16 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.

Tickets £38.50 (plus £4.35 booking fee) are available from Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online/info: forestryengland.uk/music.

Monday 14th January 2019
One of Britain’s best live bands, Stereophonics, have announced dates as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series promoted by the Forestry Commission.

Since their Best Newcomer Brit Award in 1998 in acknowledgment of their debut album, ‘Word Gets Around’, Stereophonics went on to become arguably the UK’s most popular rock band of the new millennium. Their ascendancy was driven by a succession of top ten hits such as ‘The Bartender and the Thief’, ‘Just Looking’, ‘Mr Writer’, ‘Have a Nice Day’ and ‘Dakota’ and No 1 albums ‘Performance and Cocktails’, ‘Just Enough Education to Perform’, ‘You Gotta Go There To Come Back’, and ‘Language. Sex. Violence. Other?’ Stereophonics continued their success with further gold and platinum records and released their 10th studio album, ‘Scream Above The Sounds’ in 2017. Throughout their career they have played at some of the biggest venues to fans across the globe, establishing a reputation as one of the best live rock bands around. Stereophonics’ Forest Live performances will feature material from across their extensive back catalogue.

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every summer by Forestry Commission England in seven beautiful forests. Over 1.75 million people have attended a forest gig in the last eighteen years. Money raised from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Stereophonics + guests

Thursday 13 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.
Sunday 23 June: Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk.

Tickets £55 (plus £6 booking fee) go on sale at 9am Friday 18 January from Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online: www.forestryengland.uk/music 

Monday 7th January 2019
Hacienda Classical have announced dates as part of Forest Live 2019, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.

The wildly successful clubbing classical cross-over show Hacienda Classical has seen 5-star reviews and landmark shows at Glastonbury, Isle Of Wight Festival and London’s Royal Albert Hall among many memorable nights over the past three years.

The set is played as a continuous live DJ mix where vocalists, choir, orchestra and guests all combine to create a vibrant, exciting performance. Featuring the DJs who shaped the original Hacienda club sound, they perform alongside the Manchester Camerata Orchestra to recreate old school house and club anthems on an epic scale as dance heritage collides with the world of classical music.

The soundtrack and performance are updated each year but again it will include orchestral renditions of much-loved classic club records from The Hacienda’s heritage, revisiting some of the hits that have proved popular with fans as well as adding new arrangements of seminal tracks to the show.

With improvement year on year, 2019’s incarnation for Hacienda Classical will build on its reputation of being one of the very best and most energetic of shows and live experiences of recent years.

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every summer by Forestry Commission England in seven beautiful forests. Over 1.75 million people have attended a forest gig in the last eighteen years. With everything required for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are renowned for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Money raised from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Graeme Park commented "I'm thrilled that we'll be continuing the Hacienda Classical journey into 2019 and I'm already digging deep to find some new tracks for the new show. There are also some tracks from previous years that I'm keen to bring back and to make even better based on everything we've learned with all the incredible gigs so far. I'm determined to make this year's show even more exciting than we’ve had before."

Hacienda Classical + Special Guests
Saturday 15 June: Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Sunday 16 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.

Tickets £38.50 (plus £4.35 booking fee) go on sale at 9am Friday 11 January from Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online/info: forestryengland.uk/music.

Monday 19th November 2018
Jack Savoretti has announced a West Country woodland concert as part of Forest Live 2019, the annual concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.

2019 will see the release of Jack Savoretti’s sixth studio album, ‘Singing To Strangers’. Recorded in Rome at Ennio Morricone’s studio, the 12 track album features co-writes with both Bob Dylan and Kylie Minogue. The album follows on from his last two gold discs ‘Written in Scars’ (2014) and ‘Sleep No More’ (2016). The special Forest Live gig will see Jack and his band play material from his new album alongside classic Savoretti tracks.

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every summer by Forestry Commission England in seven beautiful forests. Over 1.75 million people have attended a forest gig in the last eighteen years. With everything required for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are renowned for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Money raised from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Jack Savoretti + guests
Saturday 15 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos

Tickets £38.50 (plus £4.35 booking fee) go on sale at 9am Friday 23 November from Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online: www.forestryengland.uk/music 

Monday 5th November 2018
Paul Weller is the first artist to announce gigs as part of Forest Live 2019, the summer concert series promoted by the Forestry Commission.

Paul’s latest release ‘True Meanings’, entered the UK charts at No 2. It is his fourteenth solo album and the twenty-sixth studio album of his career that began in 1977 with The Jam’s debut album ‘In the City’. Five era-defining albums followed before he experienced further recognition with The Style Council and subsequent success with numerous solo releases such as ‘Wild Wood’, ‘Wake Up The Nation’ and ‘Sonik Kicks’. Paul Weller’s versatility and creative edge has connected with fans across the generations, making him one of the most significant players of the British Music scene over the past four decades. A cultural icon, his impact, relevance and popularity with the public, fellow musicians and critics alike remains unabated in his milestone 60th year.

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every summer by Forestry Commission England in seven beautiful forests. Over 1.75 million people have attended a forest gig in the last eighteen years. Money raised from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Paul Weller made his Forest Live debut in 2004 and has played to sell-out crowds ever since, with his most recent appearances being in 2014. Commenting on the new dates, Paul said, “The Forest shows are always great gigs for us and it’s been a while since I last did them so I’m really looking forward to them next year.”

Paul Weller + guests
Friday 14 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.
Sunday 16 June: Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Friday 21 June: Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk.
Saturday 22 June: Delamere Forest, near Northwich, Cheshire.
Friday 28 June: Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorks.
Saturday 29 June: Sherwood Pines, near Mansfield, Notts.
Saturday 6 July: Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs.

Tickets £48.50 (plus £5.35 booking fee) go on sale at 9am Friday 9 November from Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online: www.forestryengland.uk/music 

Monday 29th Janauary 2018
With her acclaimed Number 1 album ‘The Architect’ riding high in the charts and a BRIT nomination for Best British Female, Paloma Faith announces ‘The Architect Summer Tour’ which includes dates as part of Forest Live, the concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.
So far ‘The Architect’ has spent 8 weeks in the top ten, propelled by the poptastic single ‘Crybaby’, the stunning ‘Guilty’ and latest ‘Til I’m Done’. The new album is currently on course to become her fourth double platinum album in a row – which would make her the first British woman in chart history to achieve this incredible feat! 
Equally at home both onstage and in the studio, these shows will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the summer season.

Forest Live is a major live music series, managed by the Forestry Commission. Held every year in beautiful forest locations across the country, over 1.5 million people have attended a gig in the programme’s seventeen-year history. Income generated from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Paloma Faith ‘The Architect Summer Tour’
+ Guests
Sunday 10 June Delamere Forest, Delamere, near Northwich, Cheshire
Friday 15 June Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Saturday 16 June Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos
Friday 29 June Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs

Tickets £43.00 (plus £4.80 booking fee) available from 9am Friday 2 February from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or buy online: forestry.gov.uk/music

Monday 22nd Janauary 2018
The Script – Forest Live update – guest  support announced

Breaking Manchester artist Tom Walker is confirmed as guest support for The Script's Forest Live dates this Summer. Tom has been included in many of the polls and tips for 2018 including BBC Sound Of 2018; MTV Brand New 2018; Shazam's 'Next To Know'. The Glasgow born, Manchester raised, gravel voiced singer/songwriter is making his mark all over the globe with over 90 million streams as well as his latest single 'Leave A Light On' being added to the A List on BBC Radio 1.

The Script plus guest support Tom Walker

Thursday 7 June Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk
Thursday 14 June Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos

Tickets £42.50 (plus £4.75 booking fee) from the Forestry Commission box office tel: 03000 680400, or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music

Monday 8th Janauary 2018
George Ezra has announced dates as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.

George Ezra is one of the biggest selling male artists of the decade. The announcement heralds a big year for George, ahead of the release of his highly anticipated, soon-to-be-announced second album in March 2018. His debut album Wanted On Voyage is certified 4x platinum in the UK, and was amongst the top 10 biggest selling artist albums in this country in both 2014 and 2015, reaching #1 in the Official UK Chart and spending 122 weeks in the chart overall. In little more than 18 months Ezra went from virtual unknown to one of the international breakthrough artists of recent times: taking in a top 10 album in 10 countries; three sold out UK tours; nominations for four BRITs, one BBC Music Award and an Ivor Novello. George returned last summer with a new single Don’t Matter Now and the sold out, tongue-in-cheek-titled ‘TOP SECRET Tour’, and a summer of festival performances at Glastonbury, V Festival, TRNSMT and the Isle of Wight, amongst others.

Forest Live is a major live music series, managed by the Forestry Commission. Held annually in seven beautiful forest locations across the country, over 1.5 million people have attended a gig in the programme’s seventeen-year history. With everything required for a great night out, including good food and bar, the concerts are renowned for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Income generated from ticket sales helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

George Ezra + Guests
Sunday 17 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.
Sunday 1 July: Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs.

Tickets £34.50 (plus £3.95 booking fee) available from 9.00am on Friday 12th January from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400, or buy online at forestry.gov.uk/music

Monday 26th November 2017
Dublin’s finest, The Script, announce dates for 2018 as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.
The Script are one of the world’s most popular bands and have sold over 29 million records. Their latest release, ‘Freedom Child’, topped the UK Official Albums Chart and scored the band their fourth UK No 1 album. Lead single ‘Rain’ picked up phenomenal radio airplay and the video has been viewed over 24 million times. This success replicates earlier outings with albums such as ‘The Script’; ‘Science and Faith’ and ‘No Sound Without Silence’ and anthemic pop/rock singles including ‘We Cry’; ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’; ‘For The First Time’; ‘Hall Of Fame’ (featuring will.i.am) and ’Superheroes’. The Irish three-piece are also one of the biggest live acts, having sold over 1.4 million tickets across 203 headline shows.

Forest Live is a major live music series, managed by the Forestry Commission. Held annually in seven beautiful forest locations across the country, over 1.5 million people have attended a gig in the programme’s seventeen-year history. With everything required for a great night out, including good food and bar, the concerts are renowned for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Income generated from ticket sales helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Commenting on the dates, Danny O'Donoghue for The Script said, “We love performing as part of Forest Live. It will be our fourth trip to Thetford Forest and we look forward to making our debut at Westonbirt Arboretum. We hope you can join us to rock in this unique atmosphere.”

The Script plus guests

Thursday 7 June Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk
Thursday 14 June Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos

Tickets £42.50 (plus £4.75 booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 1 December from the Forestry Commission box office tel: 03000 680400, or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music

Tuesday 17th October 2017
Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott with special guest Billy Bragg have announced dates as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.

Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott’s latest album ‘Crooked Calypso’ charted at no 2 making it their highest release as a duo to date following on from two further top 5 albums in ‘What Have We Become’ (’14) and ‘Wisdom, Laughter and Lines’ (’15).

Paul Heaton, one of the UK’s most successful songwriters with some 10 million album sales under his belt, first came to public attention in the early 80s as front man of Hull-based indie poppers The Housemartins best known for their third single ‘Happy Hour’ and their No 1 acapella Isley Bros cover ‘Caravan of Love’.  In ’88 Heaton formed The Beautiful South, who released 10 hugely successful albums. Jacqui Abbott was lead vocalist in The Beautiful South from ’94 to 2000 and she sang many of their signature hits including ‘Rotterdam’, ‘Perfect 10’, ‘Don’t Marry Her’ and ‘Dream A Little Dream’.  The Forest Live gigs will see them play material from their albums as a duo and songs from The Beautiful South and the Housemartins.

Forest Live is a major live music series, managed by the Forestry Commission. Held every year in seven beautiful forest locations across the country, over 1.5 million people have attended a gig in the programme’s seventeen-year history. With everything required for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are renowned for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Income generated from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott
With special guest Billy Bragg

Friday 8 June: Delamere Forest, near Northwich, Cheshire.
Saturday 9 June: Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk.
Friday 15 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos.
Saturday 16 June: Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Friday 22 June: Sherwood Pines, near Mansfield, Notts.
Saturday 23 June: Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorks.
Saturday 30 June: Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs.

Tickets £33.50 (plus £3.85 booking fee) available from 9.00am on Friday 20 October from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400, or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music