Scottish pop-rock favourites Deacon Blue have been announced as the latest headliners for Forest Live 2026, Forestry England’s summer concert series presented in partnership with Cuffe & Taylor. The band will take to the stage at the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum on Thursday, 25 June 2026, joined by special guests Lightning Seeds.
Frontman Ricky Ross said:
“No one knows where The Great Western Road ends up, least of all us! For now the road goes on and next summer we are taking the shows to some beautiful venues. We can’t wait to see you there and we promise to make every night very special.”
The show will celebrate 40 years since Ross and Dougie Vipond formed the band, with a setlist spanning Deacon Blue’s greatest hits — including “Chocolate Girl,” “Wages Day,” and “Fergus Sings the Blues.” Fans can also expect live renditions from their acclaimed new album The Great Western Road, which became their most successful studio release in over three decades, reaching No. 3 in the UK and topping the Scottish Album Chart.
Recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios, the album reunites Ross and guitarist Gregor Philp as producers alongside engineer Matt Butler, who worked on their iconic debut Raintown. The record reflects on the band’s four-decade journey, exploring themes of life, love, and longevity.
With over seven million albums sold, two UK Number One albums, and a catalogue of beloved singalong classics, Deacon Blue remain one of Britain’s most enduring and best-loved live acts. Their Forest Live performance promises to be both a nostalgic and forward-looking celebration of their extraordinary career.
Joining them as special guests are Liverpool’s indie-pop icons Lightning Seeds, led by Ian Broudie. Known for timeless hits including “Pure,” “Lucky You,” and “The Life of Riley,” Lightning Seeds continue to delight audiences with their melodic brilliance and feel-good performances — making them the perfect addition to a night of world-class live music at Westonbirt.
Deacon Blue and Lightning Seeds join a stellar Forest Live 2026 line-up that already includes Becky Hill (Cannock Chase), The Kooks (Delamere Forest), Snow Patrol (Thetford Forest), and UB40 ft Ali Campbell (appearing across all sites), with more acts still to be announced.
Next year marks 25 years of Forest Live, which brings unforgettable performances to breathtaking forest venues across England. Forestry England uses the income raised from Forest Live to maintain its 1,500 woods and forests, fund conservation work, and plant millions of trees each year.
Event details:
Deacon Blue + Lightning Seeds
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Thursday 25 June 2026
Tickets on sale Friday 7 November 2025 at 10am via forestlive.com
More from Deacon Blue: deaconblue.com
