Forestry England’s Forest Live marks its 25th anniversary with five nights under the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum, just over the Oxfordshire border. Profits support the care of the nation’s forests, conservation work and new tree planting.
Quick Details
- Where: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS
- When: Wed 24 – Sun 28 June 2026
- Tickets: on sale now via forestlive.com/westonbirtarboretum
- Run time: evening outdoor concerts (doors/performance times confirmed by ticket issuer)
- Age: under-16s must be accompanied (see ticket site for full T&Cs)
Headliners (Westonbirt • 24–28 June)
| Date | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wed 24 Jun | Fatboy Slim | DJ/producer opens the series |
| Thu 25 Jun | Deacon Blue | “Dignity”, “Real Gone Kid” |
| Fri 26 Jun | UB40 ft Ali Campbell | Reggae greats |
| Sat 27 Jun | Rick Astley | Pop royalty under the pines |
| Sun 28 Jun | Richard Ashcroft | The Verve frontman closes the run |
Support acts TBA; check the ticket page for updates and set times.
- Tickets: forestlive.com/westonbirtarboretum (transaction fees apply). Choose print-at-home/mobile tickets; read the event terms for entry, age guidance and bag policy.
Getting there from Oxfordshire
Westonbirt sits ~45–60 miles west of Oxford (allow 75–100 minutes by car depending on your start point and traffic). Concert traffic can be busy, set off early and follow yellow event signage near Tetbury/A433.
By car (typical routes)
- From Oxford & North Oxon: A40 west → join A429 (Fosse Way) at Northleach → through Cirencester → join A433 towards Tetbury/Westonbirt → follow event signs to GL8 8QS.
- From South Oxon (A34 corridor): A34 → A420 (Faringdon) → A429 (Cirencester) → A433 (Tetbury/Westonbirt).
- Parking: Event car parks are on site and well signposted. Pre-book if required by your ticket provider; have your parking pass ready on arrival.
Tip: Satnav to GL8 8QS, then switch to event signs for the final approach, traffic plans may differ from standard navigation.
Rail + taxi (most reliable public-transport option)
- Nearest stations: Kemble (~10 miles) or Chippenham (~12 miles).
- From Oxford, travel via Didcot/Swindon (for Kemble) or via Didcot/Swindon to Chippenham (journey planners will show the quickest on the day).
- Taxis: pre-book a return from the station; late-evening rural services are limited.
Buses
Local daytime buses serve Tetbury/nearby villages, but evening returns after concerts are limited or unavailable. Do not rely on a last bus unless you’ve checked the current timetable both ways on your date.
What to bring (and what not)
- Footwear & layers: woodland ground can be uneven; bring sturdy shoes and a warm/waterproof layer.
- Chairs/blankets: permitted in designated areas only (front-of-stage standing usually chair-free).
- Food & drink: catering and bars are on site. Glass and large alcohol quantities are normally not permitted; bag searches in operation.
- Cash/card: most vendors take card; bring a small amount of cash as backup.
- Sun/bug: sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent recommended.
(Always check the event info on your ticket page — policies can vary by artist/date.)
Accessibility
- Blue Badge parking and accessible viewing are available; you’ll need to pre-arrange during booking or via the accessibility team.
- Companion tickets: an essential companion/personal assistant ticket is typically offered (eligibility applies).
- Terrain: paths are mostly compacted; assistance may be needed on gradients/grass.
- For detailed access information, contact Westonbirt/Forest Live via the ticket site before you travel.
Why Forest Live matters
Forest Live is run by Forestry England, which manages 1,500 woods and forests and reinvests gig income into forest care, access and conservation. In 2024/25 the organisation planted ~7.4 million trees and welcomed 313 million visits. Over two million people have attended Forest Live shows in the last 25 years — and everyone in England lives within an hour of one of the nation’s forests.
Other Forest Live 2026 dates (nationwide)
Alongside Westonbirt, anniversary shows run at Cannock Chase, Delamere Forest and High Lodge Thetford Forest with headline sets from Nile Rodgers & CHIC, McFly, Billy Ocean & Marti Pellow, Garbage & Skunk Anansie, Becky Hill, The Kooks and Snow Patrol. Tickets via forestlive.com.
Quick answers (FAQ)
- Is there camping? No — Forest Live is an evening concert series; use nearby accommodation or return home.
- What happens in bad weather? Concerts go ahead rain or shine; only extreme conditions trigger changes.
- Are BBQs/picnics allowed? BBQs/stoves are not allowed; small picnics may be permitted but no glass. Check your event info.
- Can I bring children? Yes, but read the age guidance and consider ear protection; under-16s must be with an adult.
Book now
- Westonbirt tickets & info: forestlive.com/westonbirtarboretum
- Venue postcode: GL8 8QS · follow event signage on approach
