In pictures: Unforgettable Forest Live highlights

DATE

July 1, 2026

Photographer Nige Brown shares his highlights from another memorable Forest Live series at Westonbirt Arboretum.


This was my fifth visit covering Forest Live, and it never disappoints. This year was no exception. 

Opening the series was Fatboy Slim on a beautiful summer evening in the perfect setting. He held the audience in the palm of his hand, creating great music, a visual spectacle and a night to remember. 

Fat Boy Slim, setting the place alight during Forest Live at Westonbirt Aboretum on Wednesday. Pictures by Nige Brown.

The following nights featured Deacon Blue and UB40, both entertaining the crowd with their back catalogues of hits and bringing back plenty of memories along the way. 

Deacon Blue, performing at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.

Rick Astley was pure fun from start to finish, dancing with his backing singers, playing drums and clearly enjoying every minute with the audience. 

Rick Astley, performing at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.

The final night belonged to Richard Ashcroft, supported by former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan, who put on a blistering performance of new songs alongside old favourites. 

Tom Meighan, performing at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.

Richard Ashcroft seemed to catch the mood of the crowd perfectly, building his set gradually and creating a very memorable evening with classics from The Verve as well as his solo material. 

Richard Ashcroft, performing at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.

It was the perfect way to end another fantastic Forest Live on a hot summer night in the Cotswolds. 

About Nige

Nige Brown is a professional photographer with more than 30 years’ experience covering news, travel, fashion, concerts and events through his business, Image 8 Photography. 

Share

RELATED STORIES

MORE STORIES

thumbnail

Win! A copy of Michael Morpurgo’s Down Burrow Lane

Down Burrow Lane is a tale to capture the imagination. And we’ve got five copies up for grabs!

READ MORE
thumbnail

Win! A five-star Kensington afternoon tea and hotel stay

Step into a world of five-star glamour with a dreamy afternoon tea at The Kensington, plus the chance to win an overnight stay for two.

READ MORE
thumbnail

Win! A one-of-a-kind copper pendant worth £165

Copper, fire and a family secret: win a unique piece of wearable art from The Copperologist.

thumbnail

Could you cut your energy bills? Discover how at Henley Home Energy & Renewables Show 2026

Could you cut your energy bills dramatically?

thumbnail

Banbury-based Hootenanny is championing Oxfordshire’s independent music scene

From Radiohead to Foals, Stornoway to Glass Animals, Oxfordshire has long punched above its weight musically.