The Forestry Commission today confirmed that the Embrace and UB40 concerts planned for the Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June respectively would be going ahead, after the Commission was successful in its appeal against the Cannock Chase District Council's decision to refuse the licence.

The appeal was heard at Stafford County Court from Tuesday 2 – Friday 5 May 2006.

Ian Hickman, Forest District Manager for the West Midlands who has co-ordinated the planning for the Forest concerts at Cannock Chase said:

" We are very pleased the court has upheld our appeal and that our visitors will be able to enjoy Embrace and UB40 in this fantastic forest setting. We will continue to work with the local community, district council, police, fire Service and our own staff and contractors to minimise any disturbance to wildlife and local residents, but are confident that the events will offer people a safe and enjoyable night out, and not pose a threat to local wildlife or habitats."

"We have a great deal of experience of managing these events in woodland locations and are very aware of the environmental issues; we take our responsibilities very seriously in that regard. There has been a lot of positive feedback and interest in the concerts, and the unique opportunity it offers for a night out in a magical setting".

The Commission are confident that with confirmation of the events going ahead, that the concerts will be a sell out.

Further information about the Forestry Commission concert tours is available from the Forestry Commission website at www.forestry.gov.uk/music


Concert dates within the Forest Tour 2006 season include:

EMBRACE

Date	Venue
Sat 10th June	Thetford Forest, High Lodge, Santon Downham, Suffolk
Sun 11th June	Bedgebury Pinetum, Nr Goudhurst, Kent
Fri 16th June	Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos
Sat 17th June	Delamere Forest, Nr Linmere, Delamere, Cheshire - Sold Out
Fri 23rd June	Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Edwinstowe, Nr Mansfield, Notts - Sold Out
Sat 24th June	Cannock Chase Forest, Nr Rugeley, Staffs
Sun 25th June	Dalby Forest, North York Moors, Nr Thornton-Le-Dale, N Yorks - Sold Out

Tickets are priced £23 (subject to booking fee) for all shows


UB40

Fri 9th June	Thetford Forest, High Lodge, Santon Downham, Suffolk - SOLD OUT
Sat 10th June	Bedgebury Pinetum, Nr Goudhurst, Kent
Fri 16th June	Delamere Forest, Nr Linmere, Delamere, Cheshire
Sat 17th June	Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos - SOLD OUT
Fri 23rd June	Dalby Forest, North York Moors, Nr Thornton-Le-Dale, N Yorks
Sat 24th June	Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Edwinstowe, Nr Mansfield, Notts
Sun 25th June	Cannock Chase Forest, Nr Rugeley, Staffs

Tickets are priced £29.50 (subject to booking fee) for all shows


Jamie Cullum
Fri 21st July: Delamere Forest, Nr Linmere, Delamere, Cheshire
Sat 22nd July: Thetford Forest, High Lodge Santon Downham, Suffolk
Tickets are priced £27.50 (subject to booking fee)

Pet Shop Boys
Friday 21 July: Thetford Forest, High Lodge, Suffolk,
Tickets priced £26 (subject to booking fee)

Tony Christie and Leo Sayer
Saturday 22 July: Delamere Forest, Nr Linmere, Cheshire.
All tickets are £25.00 (subject to booking fee)

Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Glos, will also host the following events:
Van Morrison
Friday 28th July.
Tickets are priced £29.50 (subject to booking fee).

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
Saturday 29thJuly
Tickets £22 (subject to booking fee)

Massive Attack
Sunday 30th July
Tickets are priced £27.50 (subject to booking fee) - SOLD OUT




Ticket Hotline 01842 814612 (Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 10am - 1pm)
Or buy online at ticketmaster.co.uk or seetickets.com
For email enquiries contact ConcertInfo@forestry.gsi.gov.uk (note this is for general enquiries, not ticket booking)



Media contact: Rebecca Britton on 01223 346 027.