Forest gets ready to Rock!

The production crew for the Forestry Commission’s 2008 forest tour will be moving on site early next week in preparation for the forthcoming concerts at Westonbirt - The National Arboretum. Around 30 production and forest staff will be responsible for turning the open recreational space into the concert arena, increasing to a team of over 100 over the weekend.

Commenting on the operation, David Barrow, the forest tour’s Programmer & Production Manager, says, "It takes a day and a half to build the stage and then another day to get the main stage generators, lighting and PA rigged."

Over 140 stage lights are put into position and 22 sound cabinets are flown either side of the stage in good time for sound-checks each show-day afternoon. Alongside getting the stage production rigged, the arena’s facilities are put in place including bars and catering units, toilets, 1st Aid, emergency exit gates, fire points and 1km of steel fencing to make the arena secure.

David continues, "In general it takes three days to set up the entire show and just over a day to de-rig and return the site to normal. The site will be a hive of activity throughout the week. It’s pretty intense but the majority of the production team and forest staff have been involved with the tour for several years, so everyone is ready to play their part in ensuring a successful forest tour for 2008."

Westonbirt - The National Arboretum near Tetbury, Gloucestershire will be hosting concerts in both June and July:

Friday 20 June The Zutons with special guests The Mystery Jets and Noah and The Whale

Saturday 21 June Crowded House (SOLD OUT)

Sunday 22 June Status Quo with special guests, Macara (SOLD OUT)

Friday 18 July Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with special guest vocalist, Marc Almond

Saturday 19 July Katherine Jenkins with the National Symphony Orchestra and special guests, Blake. (SOLD OUT)

For further information tel 01842 814612 or go to

- ENDS - For further media information, please contact Gail McKenzie, Communications Officer, Westonbirt - The National Arboretum, on 01666 881 207     email:

gail.mckenzie@forestry.gsi.gov.ukwww.forestry.gov.uk/music

Gail McKenzie
Communications Officer
Westonbirt - The National Arboretum
Tetbury
Gloucestershire
GL8 8QS

Direct Line: 01666 881 207
www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt