Following on from their sell-out autumn arena tour, the legendary UB40 have today announced they will be out in the woods this summer as part of the Forestry Commission's Annual Forest Tour.
The legendary band will be playing Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire on Saturday 17th June.
Their catalogue of hits over the years has resulted in album sales of more than 50 million, and turned eight school friends, who formed the band back in 1978, into global superstars. A whole generation has grown up on UB40 classics such as 'One In Ten', 'Red Red Wine', 'Don't Break My Heart', ‘Kiss and Say Goodbye' and 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.
Although many of their peers have followed fashion, jumping from genre to genre in an attempt to remain hip, UB40 have stayed true to reggae and its ongoing capacity for innovation. The music that first inspired them has never lost its edge or vitality and, sharing this belief, the eight original members of the band are still performing today.
Tickets are £29.50 for all shows and go on general sale from 9.00am on Friday 20th January 2006. They can be ordered from the ticket hotline, 01842 814612, or on line at www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.seetickets.com, or www.bristolticketshop.co.uk .
Other Forest Tour dates at Westonbirt announced so far include Embrace on June 16 and the Royal Philharmonia Concert Orchestra on July 29.
For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt or call the Arboretum on 01666 881220
Other dates are as follows:
THETFORD forest, High Lodge, Santon Downham, Suffolk,
Fri 9th June;
Bedgebury pinetum, Nr Goudhurst, Kent
Sat 10th June;
DELAMERE FOREST, Nr Linmere, Delamere, Cheshire
Fri 16th June;
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Sat 17th June;
DALBY FOREST, North York Moors, Nr Thornton-Le-Dale, North Yorkshire
Fri 23rd June;
SHERWOOD PINES FOREST PARK, Edwinstowe, Nr Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Sat 24th June; and
CANNOCK CHASE FOREST, Nr Rugeley, Staffordshire
Sun 25th June.
Notes to editor:
1. Westonbirt 2006 – The National Arboretum anniversary year.
2. Westonbirt Arboretum is renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. Today the collection contains around 18,000 specimens in total, including almost half of those woody plants known to grow in the temperate climate zone covering some 600 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Indeed, unlike many arboreta, Westonbirt was laid out in 1829 for aesthetic appeal by its founder Robert Holford rather than for scientific or geographical reasons. Its importance is recognised by the English Heritage’s ‘Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest’ as a Grade 1 Listed Landscape. Visitors today can enjoy a relaxing and unique day out amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in the country.
3. Westonbirt Arboretum possesses one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the country. First planted in the mid-nineteenth century by wealthy aristocrat Robert Staynor Holford, it was further developed and cared for by his son Sir George Holford until his death in 1926. Both men combined their love of plants with an eye for design and it was their skill in planting that resulted in the superb landscapes that visitors enjoy today. Of particular renown are the Japanese maples that provide the backbone to one of the finest displays of autumn colour to be seen.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 provides 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.
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