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Forest Live is back among the trees! On Friday 26 June 2026, Westonbirt Arboretum (the National Arboretum near Tetbury, Gloucestershire) will transform into a stunning open-air concert arena. Music fans will journey from near and far to this leafy setting for one special evening of live music. Beneath centuries-old oaks, maples and evergreens, thousands of fans will gather to enjoy live performances in the heart of nature. The mix of great music and pristine woodland scenery promises an unforgettable summer festival experience. For fans, hearing familiar anthems echo through the trees is an electric thrill. It's not unusual to find the whole audience singing along under the stars.
The Arboretum itself is as legendary as any stage. Spanning 600 lush acres, Westonbirt is a living museum of trees. Meandering trails wind between majestic oaks, towering redwoods and vibrant maples collected from around the world. In the warm months, its woods are bursting with green foliage and wildflowers. During the concert, this natural beauty surrounds the audience: the stage is nestled among the trees, and as dusk falls stage lights and lanterns glimmer through the branches. It's a setting that feels truly magical, an open-air theatre deep in the forest.
Many guests arrive early to stroll the famous Redwood Avenue or pause by the ornamental lakes. Once darkness falls, stage lights and lanterns glow through the trees, transforming the woods into a fairy-lit wonderland. As the final chords fade, you'll find yourself leaving through a softly illuminated forest under the stars, an experience few concert venues can match.
The vibe at Forest Live is friendly and relaxed. As the concert gets underway, groups of friends and families spread blankets across the lawns or cluster beneath tree canopies with picnic baskets in hand. A few food and drink stalls around the arena serve tasty local treats and refreshments, so nobody goes hungry or thirsty amid the pines. Some people even wander between the trees, finding new vantage points as the music plays. This is a concert for all ages: children can safely roam in the open spaces while older fans dance or sing along without the usual crowds of a city venue. The result is a warm, community atmosphere where the forest itself feels like part of the audience. Even summer evenings can cool quickly once the sun sets, so having a light jacket or blanket on hand is a good idea to stay cozy under the stars as the music plays on.
Best of all, Forest Live is run by Forestry England, meaning every ticket helps protect the very woods you're enjoying. You can soak up great music surrounded by nature, knowing the proceeds go back into caring for Westonbirt and other forests. All told, Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum is a summer evening like no other. Pack a picnic, gather your friends and family, and prepare for a magical night under the trees. It's one concert experience you and your loved ones will remember for years to come!
Westonbirt Arboretum is easily reached by car. From the M5 or M4 motorways (both junction 18), follow the A46 toward Stroud and then the A433 to Tetbury. Follow brown signs for Westonbirt Arboretum to arrive at the venue. Ample parking is available on site for event visitors, but expect high demand on concert days - carpooling or arriving early is recommended.
Public transport can get you close. The nearest train stations are Stroud (on the line between London and Gloucester) and Kemble (between Swindon and Cheltenham); both are roughly 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from Westonbirt. From Stroud station, bus number 69 runs directly to Westonbirt Arboretum several times a day. You can also travel via Bath Spa, catching the 620 bus to Yate and staying on to Westonbirt. Taxi services operate from all stations if buses do not fit your schedule.
The nearest major airports are Bristol (about 50 miles south) and Birmingham (roughly 70 miles north). Bristol Airport is just over an hour's drive via the M5/A46, while Birmingham (about 70 miles away) is roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive on the M5. London Heathrow (around 100 miles) is also reachable, with direct trains to Swindon or Cheltenham and onward connections. From any airport, you can rent a car or take trains toward Swindon/Cheltenham to link up with buses or taxis bound for Tetbury.
Tetbury is a small town with very limited local accommodation, so plan to stay nearby. Cheltenham (about 30 minutes away) and Bath (around 45 minutes) offer a wide range of hotels and B&Bs. Closer villages like Cirencester or Malmesbury (each under 30 minutes' drive) also have cosy inns and self-catering cottages. There is no camping at Westonbirt, so you'll need to arrange lodging in the surrounding Cotswolds area. Wherever you choose to stay, early booking during the summer season is strongly advised.
Tetbury, Tetbury