Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton will be appearing at an open air concert this summer.

The former Housemartins singer has been announced as the latest headliner for Forest Live 2025.

The summer concert series, presented by Forestry England, will see Paul Heaton perform alongside special guest Rianne Downey at the Westonbirt Arboretum on Friday, June 20.

Joining them will be the renowned singer-songwriter Billy Bragg.

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Paul Heaton first rose to fame in the early 80s with The Housemartins, followed by a successful run with The Beautiful South.

He continues to captivate audiences with his lively performances and albums that reflect the lives of ordinary people, as well as the intricacies of modern life.

His most recent album, The Mighty Several, has attracted the usual critical acclaim.

Concertgoers can anticipate an evening filled with classics such as Flag Day, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Perfect Ten, Song For Whoever, Happy Hour, and Caravan of Love.

Billy Bragg, best-known for his politically-charged songs, will be appearing as support act.

His back catalogue, including A New England, Sexuality, and Levi Stubbs' Tears, will complement Paul Heaton's repertoire, set against the stunning backdrop of the national arboretum.

Forest Live 2025 delivers a unique atmosphere by merging stellar performances from world-class acts set against the backdrop of beautiful outdoor settings.

Live events will be held at four forest venues managed by Forestry England: Cannock Chase, Delamere, High Lodge in Thetford, and Westonbirt.

Other artists confirmed to perform at Forest Live 2025 include Sting, The Script, Elbow, Blossoms, Rag'n'Bone Man, James, Snow Patrol, and Take That singer Gary Barlow.

Forest Live plays a crucial role in sustaining and preserving the nation's woods and forests.

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The funds raised from the concert series help maintain the natural spaces, run essential conservation projects, and support tree growth.

In the previous year, Forestry England planted 7.4 million trees and welcomed 285 million visitors in the 2023/24 period.

Every resident in England is within an hour's drive of one of the nation's forests.

Over the past 23 years, more than two million people have enjoyed Forest Live concerts.

This year marks the second consecutive year Forestry England has partnered with Live Nation’s Cuffe & Taylor to present the concert series.

Tickets for Forest Live 2025 went on sale on Friday, November 17, and can be purchased from the official website.

 

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