Simply Red forest concerts for 2010

One of the most popular bands of the past 25 years, Simply Red, has announced a series of dates in spectacular woodland locations next summer as part of Forestry Commission Live Music.

Fronted by the unmistakable Mick Hucknall, a catalogue of hit singles like ‘Holding Back The Years’, ‘Something Got Me Started’, ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’, ‘For Your Babies’, ‘Fairground’, ‘Angel’, ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye’ established Simply Red’s superstar status across the globe. Classic albums like ‘Picture Book’, ‘A New Flame’, ‘Stars’, ‘Blue’ and ‘Home’ formed part of the record collection for a whole generation.

Commenting on the concerts, Mick Hucknall for Simply Red said:

"As we had such fun performing a solo forest show at Westonbirt Arboretum this year, we decided it would be great to play all the forest concert venues around the country in 2010. It is a fantastic experience for a band to play in these unique settings".

Forestry Commission Live Music pays for itself and any profit generated goes back into improving woodlands for both wildlife and the public to enjoy.

Simply Red will be performing at:

• Thetford Forest, Nr Brandon, Suffolk, Friday 11th June
• Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest, Nr Goudhurst, Kent, Saturday 12th June
• Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nr Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire Friday 18th June
• Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Saturday 19th June
• Cannock Chase Forest, Nr Rugeley, Staffordshire, Friday 25th June
• Dalby Forest, Nr Pickering, North Yorks, Saturday 26th June
• Delamere Forest, Delamere, Cheshire, Friday 2nd July

Tickets £38.00 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 6th November 2009 from ticket hotline tel 01842 814612 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.

Info: www.simplyred.com & www.myspace.com/simplyred
Info: www.forestry.gov.uk/music

Ends

NOTES TO EDITOR

1. Forestry Commission Live Music takes place each summer in seven forest locations around the country. Woodland clearings are temporarily transformed into a concert arena creating a safe and relaxed atmosphere for gig-goers.
   
   
2. 19% of the country's woods and forests are managed by the Forestry Commission. In England, more than 50% of the population live within 10km of a Forestry Commission managed wood or forest.
   
   
3. Media contact: Stuart Burgess, stuart.burgess@forestry.gov.uk, 01223 346027, 07785 748351