Forest Live - Delamere Forest
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Imagine experiencing your favourite music under an open sky, surrounded by towering oaks and pines – this is the magic of Forest Live at Delamere Forest. The concert arena here is a natural amphitheatre in Cheshire’s largest woodland, and it truly comes alive once the lights go up. Picture yourself waving your arms to a live band’s songs while the sun sinks behind the trees. As twilight deepens, stage lights will illuminate the branches and transform the forest into a magical backdrop. It’s a scene you won’t forget, and a perfect way to celebrate a summer evening of music and nature.
In 2026, Forest Live Delamere will be headlined by legendary reggae-pop band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell. They’ll bring a greatest-hits set full of crowd-pleasers – think classics like Red Red Wine and Kingston Town – sure to have everyone singing along in the woodland clearing. Before UB40 takes the stage, the evening will feature hand-picked supporting acts warming up the crowd and setting a brilliant vibe. All the performances blend together into one big celebration – by the time the headliner hits the stage, the audience will feel like one big family under the stars. Whether you’re busting out classic reggae dance moves or belting each chorus, the energy in the forest will keep you dancing all night.
The Delamere Forest venue itself is half the experience. The concert arena is literally built into the woods. Fans spread out blankets and chairs on the forest floor and wander the leafy surroundings. Many attendees make an afternoon of it – packing picnic baskets, playing games, or hiking the trails before the music even starts. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and family-friendly. You’ll see groups of friends chatting and laughing, kids dancing along with the music, and even strangers striking up conversations over shared excitement. An added bonus: there are usually local food trucks and drink stands on-site, so you can grab a tasty snack or drink without missing any action. All around you, live music and the rustling leaves blend together into an unforgettable soundtrack.
Perhaps best of all, attending Forest Live at Delamere means you’re directly supporting the place you love. Ticket proceeds and event profits help care for these very woods. By enjoying live music among the trees, you’re helping fund trail maintenance, tree planting, and other conservation projects that keep the forest healthy and beautiful for future generations. In other words, tonight’s fun doubles as something good for nature. It’s music with a mission – an evening out that you can feel great about.
Rain or shine, Delamere Forest 2026 promises a night to remember under the stars. Plan to arrive early to grab a good spot on the lawn, enjoy some pre-show ambiance, and maybe catch a stunning sunset through the treetops. As darkness falls and the music takes over, you’ll be right in the middle of a truly magical show. After the final encore, heads full of melodies and hearts warmed by the experience, you’ll leave under a canopy of stars feeling like you were part of something very special. We can’t wait to welcome you to an incredible evening of live music in the woods.
Delamere Forest is nestled in the Cheshire countryside (postcode CW8 2HZ) and driving is often the simplest way to reach the concert arena. By car, the forest is easily accessed via the M6 or M56 motorways. From Manchester or points west, take the M56 and exit onto the A556 northbound toward Chester; from Birmingham or points north, use the M6 and then the A556 southbound toward Delamere. In either case, your navigation device will find the place – simply enter CW8 2HZ for the destination. On-site parking is provided and usually booked along with concert tickets. Parking generally opens in the late afternoon (around 4–3 4:30pm) and spaces can fill up quickly, so arriving early is wise. Note: there is a small parking charge to support the forests.
If you prefer public transport, Delamere has its own train station right by the forest. Northern trains on the Chester–Manchester line stop at Delamere, making the venue a very short (10-minute) walk from the station. In other words, you can step off the train and almost immediately be in the woods. You could travel to Delamere via Manchester Piccadilly, Chester, or other nearby stations by connecting trains. Regional buses also run near the forest – for example, D&G Bus route 82 travels between Northwich and Chester and stops at Delamere Village – but services are limited, so check the timetable. Because late-evening transport options are sparse, it’s a good idea to book a taxi in advance or arrange a designated driver for the trip home.
The nearest airports are Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Manchester Airport (about 30–40 minutes’ drive to the east) offers the widest range of flights, while Liverpool’s airport is roughly 45 minutes away by car. From either airport you can rent a car or use public transport to reach the region. For example, from Manchester Airport you could take a train into the city center and connect to a regional service toward Delamere. (If driving from an airport, factor in extra time for possible motorway traffic.)
You’ll find plenty of places to stay not far from Delamere. The historic city of Chester (around 12 miles west) and the market town of Northwich (about 8 miles north) both have a good selection of hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Closer to the forest, Frodsham and local villages offer charming inns and guesthouses. If you prefer to stay in nature, there are countryside cottages and campsites nearby. In fact, Forest Holidays runs a resort with cozy log cabins set right among the trees at Delamere Forest – a special option if you want a real woodland getaway. Wherever you choose to stay, it’s best to book well in advance, as accommodations can fill up quickly around popular summer events.
Cw8 2hz, CW82HZ