SINGER/SONGWRITER Craig David is the latest big name act to play an open air gig at Westonbirt Arboretum this summer, as tickets go on sale on Friday for his concert there on June 18.

From a UK Garage pioneer to a mainstream multi-million seller, Craig David became one of the UK music scene’s most successful male solo artists since the 2000 release of his critically-acclaimed debut album Born To Do It changed his life. Top 10 singles over the period including Fill Me In, 7 Days, Walking Away, What’s Your Flava, Hot Stuff (Let’s Dance), and the incredible duet with Sting, Rise And Fall have established Craig as an indisputable commercial success and proved that British urban music has the power to go pop.

Record industry accolades include three Ivor Novellos (including the two highly prestigious awards for Songwriter of the Year and Best Contemporary Song), four MOBOs and two MTV EMA awards and most recently a nomination for Best Male Artist at this year’s upcoming Brit Awards.

Craig’s recent return to music proves his popularity has far from faded. 2016 releases included hit singles When The Bassline Drops a collaboration with grime artist Big Narstie, follow up single Nothing Like This an alliance with dance duo Blonde, and All We Needed the BBC Children In Need official single; all taken from the No 1 Album Following My Intuition.

The show is part of the Forest Live season, organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences and raise money for protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife.

Commenting on the Forest Live dates Craig David said “I’m really looking forward to playing at Forest Live, there’s always something special about playing outside in the English summer!”

Tickets £38.50 (plus £4.35 booking fee) available from 9am on Friday from 03000 680400 or www.forestry.gov.uk/music