Thousands of music-lovers are preparing to flock to Delamere Forest this summer

THOUSANDS of music-lovers are preparing to flock to Delamere Forest.

For more than a decade music fans have travelled from across the country to enjoy concerts as the forest is transformed into a giant outdoor arena.

Shows this year by Will Young and Plan B are already sold out.

Events manager for the Forestry Commission Rachel Morris said that 5,500 fans would be filling the forest floor to watch as the Pop Idol winner takes to the stage.

“There will be over 12,000 people in the forest for the concerts over the three days,” said Rachel, who said the forest concerts seem to attract bigger names every year.

“It is a fantastic seeing your favourite artists and bands performing against a backdrop of trees.

“We don’t have any branding or sponsorship and I think that is one of the reasons the bands keep getting bigger and keep coming back.”

Rachel said that since the concerts began the forest festivities have become a must date on the music and festival calendar, with more bands rushing to perform against the spectacular backdrop in front of family friendly crowds.

And with bands enjoying the festival atmosphere and unpretentious surroundings, Rachel believes that the concerts are set to get bigger and better year on year.

“It is a great opportunity for them to give something back,” said Rachel, who said that the bands often spread the word recommending the concerts to fellow artists.

“The money generated by the concerts goes straight back into the forest. We are very family friendly and lots of families come back every year to enjoy the atmosphere and listen to their favourite bands.”

And Rachel said that during this year’s concert the Forestry Commission would be welcoming its millionth UK concert visitor which would be a landmark moment.

The Delamere Forest Forestry Commission Live concerts begin on Friday July 6 with Will Young and Plan B on July 7 concluding with The Wombats on July 8.

Tickets have sold out for Will Young and Plan B but are still available for The Wombats.

For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/music.