Simply Red will perform at next year’s annual woodland concerts at Delamere Forest .

The Manchester band are the first artists to have been confirmed for the summer concert series Forest Live where acts perform in picturesque woodland locations across the country.

Described as the defining sound of British R&B in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Simply Red will take to the stage at Delamere on Saturday July 2, six years after they played at the same concert in 2010.

Audiences can expect to hear landmark songs such as Money’s Too Tight (To Mention), Holding Back the Years, Stars and Fairground, as well as songs from the band’s new album Big Love.

Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall said: “Having had a great time as part of Forest Live back in 2010, we are delighted to be returning in 2016 and hope you can join us in celebrating over 30 years in the music business”.

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All the proceeds from ticket sales of the Forest Live concerts is spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife.

Tickets cost £47.50 (plus £5.25 booking fee) to go on sale at 9am on Friday October 23 and are available from the Forestry Commission box officeon 03000 680400, or to buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.