Huge Summer Lineup Announced for Westonbirt Arboretum
Music lovers in the Cotswolds have plenty to look forward to next summer, as Forestry England has confirmed the full Forest Live 2026 line up for Westonbirt Arboretum.
Taking place across five nights in late June, the much-loved woodland concert series will once again bring world-class artists to one of the UK’s most beautiful outdoor venues.
From global dance icons and indie legends to pop favourites and reggae royalty, Forest Live 2026 promises a diverse programme of unforgettable live music set amongst the trees.
Five Nights of Live Music in the Forest
The Westonbirt Arboretum shows will run from Wednesday 24 June to Sunday 28 June 2026, transforming the arboretum into an atmospheric open-air concert space after hours.
The series opens with superstar DJ and producer Fatboy Slim, whose high-energy set is sure to kick things off in style. He’ll be followed by Scottish favourites Deacon Blue, joined by special guests Lightning Seeds, before UB40 featuring Ali Campbell bring laid-back reggae vibes to the forest on Friday night.
The weekend sees the woodland stage handed over to pop royalty and feel-good hitmaker Rick Astley on Saturday, with Richard Ashcroft, former frontman of The Verve, closing the Westonbirt run on Sunday.
Forest Live 2026 – Westonbirt Arboretum Dates
- Wednesday 24 June – Fatboy Slim
- Thursday 25 June – Deacon Blue (with Lightning Seeds)
- Friday 26 June – UB40 ft Ali Campbell (with Bitty McLean + Reggae Roast ft MC Horseman)
- Saturday 27 June – Rick Astley (with The Lottery Winners)
- Sunday 28 June – Richard Ashcroft (with Tom Meighan + Apollo Junction)
Tickets for all shows are on sale now.
A Special Year for Forest Live
Forest Live 2026 marks a major milestone as the concert series celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since launching, Forest Live has welcomed over two million people to gigs across England’s forests, combining live music with some of the country’s most scenic outdoor locations.
Alongside Westonbirt Arboretum, anniversary shows will also take place at Cannock Chase, Delamere Forest and High Lodge, Thetford Forest. Headline acts across the tour including Snow Patrol, The Kooks, McFly, Becky Hill and Nile Rodgers & CHIC.
Music That Supports the Forests
Forest Live isn’t just about great music. The events help fund Forestry England’s vital work managing and protecting the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests. Income from the concerts supports conservation projects, visitor facilities and tree planting programmes.
In the past year alone, Forestry England planted 7.4 million trees and welcomed over 300 million visits to England’s forests – meaning everyone lives within an hour’s drive of one of these special natural spaces.
Planning Your Visit
Westonbirt Arboretum, located near Tetbury in the Cotswolds, is renowned for its spectacular tree collection and makes a truly memorable concert setting. Forest Live shows are popular and often sell out, so early booking is recommended.
For tickets, updates and future announcements, visit forestlive.com.
Whether you’re a long-time Forest Live fan or planning your first woodland gig, summer 2026 at Westonbirt Arboretum is shaping up to be something special.
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