Forest Live - Westonbirt Arboretum

Forest Live - Westonbirt Arboretum 2026

On Friday 26 June 2026, Forest Live returns to Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury, Gloucestershire for a unique open-air concert. Set in the heart of a 600-acre national arboretum, this event offers live music beneath centuries-old trees in a stunning natural setting.

Music

Enjoy live performances nestled among majestic oaks, maples, and redwoods. The atmosphere is electric as familiar songs echo through the forest, creating an unforgettable summer evening under the stars.

Atmosphere

The concert arena is transformed into a fairy-lit woodland with stage lights and lanterns glowing through the trees. A friendly, relaxed vibe welcomes all ages, where families and friends picnic on the lawns or explore the woods while enjoying the music.

Food & Drink

Local food and drink stalls around the arena offer tasty treats and refreshments, ensuring guests stay satisfied throughout the event.

Community & Conservation

Run by Forestry England, Forest Live supports woodland care. Ticket proceeds help protect Westonbirt Arboretum and other forests, blending music enjoyment with environmental conservation.

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.