Forest Live - Cannock Chase Forest

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Birches Valley in Cannock Chase Forest transforms into a magical open-air concert stage for one unforgettable summer evening. Join thousands of music fans for Forest Live – a night of live music under the stars. Surrounded by towering pine trees and fresh woodland air, this one-of-a-kind concert brings people together in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Spread out a picnic blanket or set up a camp chair on the soft forest floor, and get ready for an unforgettable night. Imagine singing along to your favorite songs as gentle breezes sway through the trees with a twinkling canopy of stars overhead – a truly magical experience.

Cannock Chase is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and one of Staffordshire's most scenic outdoor spaces. The Birches Valley clearing provides a natural amphitheatre where every listener has a great view of the stage. The venue’s layout feels open and welcoming – there’s plenty of room to relax or dance, and the forest gives the music a warm, echoing backdrop. The vibe is simultaneously peaceful and thrilling; during the day you can explore wildflower meadows and forest trails, and as night falls the woods come alive with music and lanterns. Staff on site work hard to create a friendly, safe atmosphere for all ages, making it easy to feel at home among the trees.

Headlining the night are reggae legends UB40 featuring Ali Campbell – the voice behind megahits like Red Red Wine and Can't Help Falling in Love. With over 70 million records sold worldwide, UB40 bring their classic reggae-pop anthems and smooth vocals to life. Special guests Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast ft. MC Horseman will fire up the evening with even more reggae-flavored sounds. Bitty McLean's soulful style and the energetic Reggae Roast crew will have everyone dancing. Together, this reggae line-up guarantees a full evening of feel-good classics and dance-worthy beats among the trees.

The concert is beautifully informal yet well-organized. You are welcome to bring a picnic (just please leave glass bottles and metal cutlery at home) and spread out blankets or low folding chairs on the grass. There will also be food and drink stalls on site if you want festival treats or a cool beverage. From the first beat to the final encore, the mood is all about good times and community spirit. Everyone cheers for every song – especially during the sing-along favourites. And since the event is outdoors, dressing in layers is wise: even summer evenings in the forest can feel chilly. A light jacket and comfy shoes will keep you cozy while you enjoy the show.

Forest Live is a celebration of music and nature hand in hand. By attending, you are also supporting Forestry England's mission to maintain and protect these beautiful woodlands. Proceeds from the concert help fund conservation work in Cannock Chase, so you can feel good knowing that your ticket helps give back to the forest. So gather your friends and grab your tickets for an evening under the trees. We look forward to seeing you in Birches Valley – singing, swaying, and making unforgettable memories under the stars.

By car, Birches Valley is easily reached via the M6 and nearby A-roads. Use the venue postcode WS15 2UQ to plan your route, but when you get close, switch off your sat nav and follow the event signage to the designated concert car parks. If coming from the south, take M6 J11A (Rugeley); from the north, the M54/A5 is a good route. On-site parking is available for a fee (booking in advance is recommended, as spaces often sell out) and accessible/blue-badge parking is provided. Parking usually opens mid-afternoon, so arriving early will help you avoid queues. Keep in mind that the forest roads are narrow and it can get dark at night, so drive carefully.

Public transport: The nearest train stations are Rugeley Town (on the Chase line from Birmingham, about 2–3 miles away) and Rugeley Trent Valley (West Coast Main Line, around 4 miles). From there, local taxis can quickly bring you to the site. There is no direct bus to Birches Valley; buses do serve Rugeley and Cannock, but you would then need a taxi or shuttle for the final stretch. Check train and bus timetables ahead of time and plan your return trip, as services can be limited late at night. (Forest Live sometimes runs shuttle buses from Cannock on concert evenings – see the event info for details.)

Airports: The closest major airports are Birmingham (BHX, about 1 hour by car) and East Midlands (EMA, roughly 1–1.5 hours by car). Birmingham Airport has a train station (Birmingham International); you can take a train to Birmingham New Street and down to Rugeley Town, or hire a car for the drive north via the M6. From East Midlands Airport, the M6 toll leads into Staffordshire, and car hire is available there as well. Both airports have coach connections to nearby cities. (London’s airports are much farther away – generally a 2+ hour drive – so they are not a convenient choice for this event.)

Accommodation: If you plan to stay overnight, nearby Rugeley, Cannock and Stafford offer a good selection of hotels, inns and B&Bs. These book up fast, so reserve early for concert weekends. For a more outdoorsy experience, Four Oaks Farm runs an official Forest Live campsite (Chase Camping) about a 10-minute walk from Birches Valley, with grassy pitches and fully equipped bell tents, plus toilets and hot showers. The event organizers also offer ticket+hotel packages with local hotels. Wherever you stay, allow extra travel time on event day and check the weather forecast – forest paths can get muddy, so pack sturdy shoes and warm layers.

Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS152UQ

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