DEACON Blue will be playing Westonbirt Arboretum after agreeing to take part in a series of concerts in the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live music series.

The Scottish band's melodic pop-rock style gained a fervent fan base through the release of several classic albums like ‘Raintown’, ‘When The World Knows Your Name’ and ‘Fellow Hoodlums’. With jazz and soul inspired melodies, the song-writing skills of front man Ricky Ross are illustrated through the diversity of their repertoire with defining singles including ‘Real Gone Kid’, ‘When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)?’, ‘Chocolate Girl’, ‘Wages Day’, ‘Fergus Sings The Blues’, ‘Twist and Shout’, ‘Your Town’ and ‘Dignity’. In 2012 Deacon Blue released their first album in over a decade, The Hipsters, which went Top 20 and was supported by a sold out UK tour.

Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission bringing music to new audiences without commercial branding or sponsorship. Income from the concerts is spent on improving the woodland for both people and wildlife.

Ricky Ross said: “This is a new adventure for the band. We are looking forward to bringing the full Deacon Blue live experience to these unique locations and we really hope you can join us.”

Deacon Blue plus guests will be performing at Westonbirt on Saturday, July 19. Tickets are £40.70 (including booking fee) and go on sale from 9am on Friday, February 28. Call 03000 680400 or buy online www.forestry.gov.uk/music