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Stars set to perform for thousands at Westonbirt gigs

Madness, Keane, Texas and Rag'n'Bone Man will perform at Westonbirt this week
Madness, Keane, Texas and Rag'n'Bone Man will perform at Westonbirt this week

The beautiful woodland of Westonbirt is set to provide a stunning backdrop for a number of the best musical acts around.

Forestry England brings its Forest Live concert series back to the South West beauty spot this weekend for four days of live music in the great outdoors.

Things kick off on Thursday evening with chart-topping Rag'n'Bone Man as well as support from Will and the People and Charlotte Jane.

He is then followed on Friday by Sussex alternative rock bank Keane, and then on Saturday by iconic British ska group Madness.

Finally, Sharleen Spiteri's Texas, supported by Rumer, will bring Forest Live to a close, with the Scottish band returning to the event for the first time in 11 years.

Commenting on the show, the Texas frontwoman said: “We last played a Forest Live show in 2011 so for us it’s a welcome return to be performing our hits in such a beautiful setting. We hope to see you there.”

Read: Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri on Westonbirt Arboretum venue for upcoming gig

While the Rag'n'Bone Man and Madness performances are sold out, tickets for Keane and Texas are still available.

The four acts are also performing at other forests around the UK with Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire and Delamere Forest in Cheshire having a similar line-up with the exception of Madness, who are replaced by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.

Eurovision star Sam Ryder, fresh from of his Platinum Jubilee performance, will also be supporting Texas instead of Rumer at Delamere Forest.

High Lodge, Thetford Forest Suffolk will also be hosting Rag'n'Bone Man, Madness and Keane.

A spokesman for Forestry England said: "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, our 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."

More than 1.9 million people have attended a Forest Live gig in the last 20 years, not only enjoying great music but supporting the nation’s forests when buying a ticket.

Going to a concert helps Forestry England create beautiful places for people to enjoy, run important conservation projects and keep growing trees.

Every year it plants some eight million trees sustainably, caring for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests and welcoming 296 million visits annually.