Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum

About

Held in beautiful forest locations across the country, Forest Live is a major live music series managed by Forestry England.

With everything required for a great night out, the concerts are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere and spectacular forest backdrops.

Income generated from ticket sales helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

The 2026 programme includes: 

Fatboy Slim - Wednesday 24 June

Norman Cook AKA Fatboy Slim is a pioneer of the 1990s big beat genre, known for his unique blend of funk, acid house, hip-hop, and rock. He has become one of the world’s most in-demand DJs and his phenomenal shows are amongst the most celebrated around.

Deacon Blue with special guests Lightning Seeds - Thursday 25 June

With more than 7 million albums sold, two UK Number One albums, and a songbook filled with heartfelt, singalong hits, Deacon Blue remain one of the UK’s most enduring and best-loved live acts. Their headline show at Westonbirt promises to be a celebration of their remarkable story – and a showcase of a band still creating, evolving, and connecting with fans new and old.

UB40 feat Ali Campbell - Friday 26 June

UB40 feat. Ali Campbell is a seminal reggae pop band from Birmingham that has sold over 70 million records worldwide. The group is known for its seamless blend of reggae, dub, and pop.

Rick Astley - Saturday 27 June

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Rick Astley will be heading to Westonbirt Arboretum next summer with special guests Lottery Winners.

Richard Ashcroft - Sunday 28 June

Former frontman of The Verve, Richard Ashcroft has earned rapturous receptions throughout his run of huge shows as special guest to Oasis throughout their 2025 tour.

 

FAQs

When is Forest Live?

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Where is Forest Live held?

The concerts are held at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, just over 20 miles from Bath or Bristol. View a map of the festival site here.

How do I get to Westonbirt Arboretum?

The nearest train station is at Kemble (Swindon to Gloucester line), 12 miles away. Only pre-booked taxis will be allowed on site, and there is no on-site taxi rank. Please use the designated pick-up point to meet with your taxi or lift home.

Westonbirt Arboretum Forest Live car parks open at 5:30pm (except on Saturday and Sunday evenings when they open at 4:30pm). Parking costs £11 per car in advance or free for Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum and Forestry England members.

What time does the concert finish?

The events usually finish between 10.30pm and 10.45pm. Live music will not continue beyond 11pm.

When will I receive my Forest Live tickets?

E-tickets are issued 2-4 weeks before the concert, or at the time of purchase for late bookings. This includes e-tickets, for any pre-booked parking spaces or coach/shuttle travel. Please download each e-ticket and save to your device before arriving at the venue, as Westonbirt can have limited phone signal or wi-fi. 

Is there an age limit for the concerts?

All ages are welcome at Forest Live. Any child aged three or over requires a full-price ticket. Children aged two and under can attend free of charge and do not require any form of ticket. Under-16s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (18 or over).There is a minimum ratio of one adult per four children (under 16). Entry may be refused without valid proof of age (photocopy of passport or birth certificate is accepted).

Will the event be cancelled if it is raining?

Concerts will go ahead regardless of the weather, except in extreme conditions where the venue is deemed unsafe or unfeasible to hold the event. We advise all customers to wear suitable clothing and footwear for an outdoor event. Umbrellas are not allowed to be taken into the arena; please bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket instead.

Will the concert have seating or be standing only?

Seating is not provided at any of the Forest Live events. You are welcome to bring blankets or small single folding chairs, but you cannot bring these into the standing-only area directly in front of the stage. Please be aware that the audience may choose to stand throughout the event in any part of the arena. You cannot claim a spot with chairs or blankets and leave it unattended.

Will there be big screens to watch the live acts?

There will be a large screen at all concerts to help you to see all the on-stage action close-up!

Can I bring in my own food and drinks?

You are welcome to bring picnics, but please check the terms and conditions carefully as items including glass, tables, metal cutlery, breakable crockery and more are not permitted in any part of the arena.

A fully licensed bar and a variety of food and drink outlets will be available and accept card payments only. Food vendors can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. Please discuss any allergies or intolerances with the food vendors on site.

 

Accessibility

Is there disabled/accessible parking?

Accessible Blue Badge parking must be pre-booked. A charge of £11 applies and a blue badge should be displayed on arrival alongside your parking ticket. The designated accessible arena entrance is situated up to 120m from the accessible blue badge car park along a grass surface. The main drop-off and pick-up point is 400m from the arena. The footpath surface is tarmac and crushed stone. 

Where are the accessible toilets?

Accessible toilets are located on the ground to the side of the raised platform. Additional accessible toilets are available to use before the arena opens, located outside the arena near the accessible blue badge parking area.

Can I hire a wheelchair on-site?

Limited wheelchair hire is available. This must be pre-booked. 

Is there an accessible viewing point?

A raised accessible viewing platform is provided for customers who are wheelchair users, or have health conditions or other disabilities where they have to remain seated for long periods of time. All places on the viewing platform must be pre-booked. 

A grass viewing area is provided alongside the viewing platform for customers who have health conditions or other disabilities and need a less crowded area and access to the accessible toilets. All places in the grass viewing area must be pre-booked.

Will you have a sign language interpreter?

A BSL interpreter will be present at all of the Forest Live concerts - Customers who require BSL can access the general admission area, with the BSL interpreter positioned on the side of the stage. 

View the full Accessibility Information for Forest Live, or read their Access Statement.