Forestry Commission - News - tickets go on sale for a truly classic event

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by David Arnold in the magical setting of Westonbirt Arboretum, is a treat that music fans can look forward to this July.

The concert on Sunday July 29th is the closing event of the arboretum’s Forest Tours 2006 season, which opens on June 16th with Embrace. Embrace tickets went on sale in December, and tickets for the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra event go on sale on Monday January 9th.

It has all the makings of a fantastic night out – a world-class orchestra, an internationally acclaimed conductor, an exhilarating programme of music that includes orchestral classics, operatic arias, symphonic rock, pop and prom favourites, a stunning location and a spectacular firework finale.

As special projects general manager Liz Forbes said,

“Just bring yourselves and a picnic and let us entertain you!

“This will be the RPCO’s first performance at Westonbirt, and they are delighted to be part of the summer concert programme.

“This promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening of musical entertainment and an undoubted highlight in the orchestra’s summer calendar.”

Tickets to all of last year’s Forest Tour events at Westonbirt sold out, so fans are advised to buy early to ensure their place in the crowd.

To order tickets, call the ticket hotline on 01842 814612, or buy on line at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.seetickets.com

· Westonbirt 2006 – The National Arboretum anniversary year. The arboretum is open all year between 10am and 8pm, or dusk if earlier. The normal cost of admission for adults is Ł6.50, children Ł1, concessions Ł5.50. For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt or call the Arboretum on 01666 881220.

Notes to Editors:

1. Westonbirt Arboretum is three miles south-west of Tetbury on the A433 Tetbury-to-Bath Road. It is 10 miles north-east of Junction 18 of the M4 and south-east of junction 13 of the M5.

2. Westonbirt Arboretum, the National Arboretum, is renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. It contains about 18,000 specimens, including almost half of those woody plants known to grow in the world’s temperate climate zone, and covers 600 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Its importance is recognised by English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest as a Grade 1 Listed Landscape.

3. Westonbirt Arboretum was established in 1829 by Robert Holford, and later developed by his son, George Holford. Much of Westonbirt’s renowned autumn colour can be traced back to Sir George’s plantings of Japanese maples between 1850 and 1875, some of which are still alive. Unlike many arboreta, Westonbirt is laid out according to aesthetic appeal rather than scientific or geographical criteria, and the Holfords’ legacy is open for all to enjoy - a beautiful, relaxing and unique day out amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in Britain.

4. Westonbirt is home to the National Maple (Acer) Collection, with 180 different types in the collection. The Forestry Commission opened Westonbirt Arboretum to the public in 1961, and in 1966 a new Acer Glade was established alongside the original one planted by Robert and George Holford in 1870.

5. Since 1956 the arboretum has been owned and managed by The Forestry Commission, giving public access to the grounds for the first time as well as providing the benefits of education, recreation and conservation. The year 2006 is a double celebration for Westonbirt Arboretum – marking both 50 years of Forestry Commission management and the 21st anniversary of The Friends – the registered charity established to support the Forestry Commission in the upkeep and development of the Arboretum.

6. Over 350,000 visitors now visit the arboretum annually, many taking part in the range of events and courses that are organised throughout the year. As well a well-stocked plant centre and shop, ‘Maples’ restaurant provides a range of good food with indoor and terrace dining areas.

7. The Forestry Commission is supported in its management of the arboretum by the charity, The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. Their headquarters in The Great Oak Hall provide wedding and conference facilities as well as an information point for visitors. Membership of The Friends is open to everyone and includes free entry to the arboretum as well as a range of other benefits.

For press enquiries contact CSPR on 0870 442 0600 or email charlotte@cspr.uk.com