Richard Ashcroft, Fatboy Slim, Deacon Blue, UB40 ft Ali Campbell, and Rick Astley are to headline spectacular outdoor concert series.
Westonbirt Arboretum will once again provide a stunning backdrop for world-class live music as Forest Live returns in June 2026 to celebrate its 25th anniversary with an exceptional line-up of dance, rock, pop and reggae legends.
Taking place from 24–28 June, the five-night concert series will welcome some of the UK’s most beloved artists to the woodland stage, combining unforgettable live performances with one of the country’s most spectacular natural settings.
Opening the series on Wednesday 24 June is superstar DJ and producer Fatboy Slim, supported by Sally C and DJ Paulette. Scottish favourites Deacon Blue take to the stage on Thursday 25 June alongside special guests Lightning Seeds and Shay O’Dowd.
Friday 26 June sees reggae icons UB40 featuring Ali Campbell bring their timeless hits to Westonbirt, joined by Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast featuring MC Horseman. Pop legend Rick Astley headlines Saturday 27 June with support from The Lottery Winners and Deco, before Richard Ashcroft, former frontman of The Verve, closes the weekend on Sunday 28 June. Ashcroft will be joined by Tom Meighan, Apollo Junction and newly announced support act DJ Wayne.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and make the most of everything Westonbirt Arboretum has to offer before the music begins. Home to one of the world’s most important tree collections, the arboretum features more than 15,000 specimens and 2,500 species from around the globe. Guests can explore family-friendly trails, discover Gruffalo sculptures and activities, and enjoy panoramic views from the treetop walkway.
As the National Arboretum, Westonbirt plays a vital role in conservation and scientific research. The site is home to around 100 globally threatened tree species, with dedicated teams working to preserve these valuable collections for future generations.
Forest Live’s 25th anniversary celebrations will take place across four Forestry England venues in 2026: Westonbirt Arboretum, Cannock Chase Forest, Delamere Forest and High Lodge Thetford Forest. The wider programme also features performances from Nile Rodgers & CHIC, McFly, Billy Ocean, Garbage, Skunk Anansie, Becky Hill, Snow Patrol, The Kooks and more.
Managed by Forestry England, the Forest Live concert series raises vital funds that help care for the nation’s forests, support conservation projects and fund tree planting initiatives. In 2024/25, Forestry England planted 7.4 million trees and welcomed 313 million visits across the public forest estate.
Following more than two decades of successful events and over two million concert-goers attending Forest Live performances, the 2026 programme marks the third year of Forestry England’s partnership with Live Nation promoters Cuffe & Taylor.
Westonbirt Arboretum – Forest Live 2026
Wednesday 24 June
Fatboy Slim
Support: Sally C and DJ Paulette
Thursday 25 June
Deacon Blue
Support: Lightning Seeds and Shay O’Dowd
Friday 26 June
UB40 ft Ali Campbell
Support: Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast ft MC Horseman
Saturday 27 June
Rick Astley
Support: The Lottery Winners and Deco
Sunday 28 June
Richard Ashcroft
Support: Tom Meighan, Apollo Junction and DJ Wayne
Tickets for all shows are on sale now.
For tickets, event information and updates, visit www.forestlive.com.
