Resurgent UK pop star Rick Astley has become the the first artist to announce dates for 2017 as part of summer concert series Forest Live.
The summer concert programme is promoted by the Forestry Commission, where acts perform in woodland locations around the country.
Astley celebrated his 50th birthday this year with his first No 1 album in 29 years, aptly titled 50. The album has already gone gold and has notched up almost 1.8m views on Vevo and over 600,000 streams on Spotify.
Commenting on the concerts, Astley said: “2017 sees me celebrating 30 years in the music business since my first No 1 hit. I can’t wait to perform as a part of Forest Live and I really hope you can make one of the dates to enjoy the experience with me.”
Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences. Income generated from ticket sales is spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife. During Forest Live’s 16-years history, money raised has contributed to several projects, from wildlife conservation to making improvements for visitors.
See below for Astely’s 2017 Forest Live dates.
Friday 16 June: Bedgebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Saturday 17 June: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos
Friday 23 June: Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorks
Saturday 1 July: Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk
Sunday 2 July: Delamere Forest, near Northwich, Cheshire
Saturday 8 July: Cannock Chase Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs
Tickets cost £36.50 (plus £4.15 booking fee) and go on sale at 9am Friday, October 21 from the Forestry Commission box office tel: 03000 680400, or online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.
