Forest Live, Forestry England’s summer concert series presented with Cuffe & Taylor, have announced that acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Imelda May, and classically trained pianist, keyboardist Sophie Grey and Bangor four piece The Florentinas as the latest artists set to perform at the event’s 2025 edition.
As one of Ireland’s most celebrated female artists, Imelda May is set to captivate the Forest Live audience with her genre-defying sound that blends blues, jazz, soul, and rock. Rising to prominence with her self-written and produced debut album ‘Love Tattoo’ in 2008 - which remains the best-selling album of all time by a homegrown female artist in Ireland - May quickly became known for her powerful voice, retro flair, and electrifying stage presence. Her most recent album, ‘11 Past the Hour’, marked her fourth Number 1 album in Ireland and her fourth Top 10 in the UK.
Sophie Grey is a pianist and producer that blends soulful pop, hip-hop, and retro-inspired electronic sounds into what she calls ‘Retro Electro’. Grey produces and performs all her own music, including her latest album Retro Electro and the streaming hit Dark Lights featuring Robb Bank$. Also an in-demand live and session musician, she’s recently toured with Lily Meola and performed with Shaggy on Good Morning America.
Heading to Forestry England Westonbirt Arboretum on Wednesday 18 June and Cannock Chase Forest on Friday 27 June, Imelda May and Sophie Grey will perform as support to 17-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Sting.
Bangor-based indie rock band The Florentinas are quickly making waves in the music scene. Formed in 2019 by school friends, the four-piece have released a string of radio singles— including Miami and Weatherman earning nationwide airplay and critical acclaim and were recently named BBC Introducing Artist of the Year at the Northern Ireland Music Prize. The Florentinas will support Northern Irish-Scottish rock band Snow Patrol and singer songwriter Freya Ridings on Friday 13 June at Forestry England Delamere Forest, Tuesday 17 June at Westonbirt Arboretum, and Thursday 26 June at Cannock Chase Forest.
Merging stellar performances from world-class acts with beautiful outdoor locations to create an atmosphere like no other, Forest Live 2025 will take place at four forest venues: Forestry England Cannock Chase, Delamere, High Lodge, Thetford and Westonbirt Arboretum.
Imelda May, Sophie Grey and The Florentinas join a selection of renowned global artists announced to perform at the event’s 2025 edition including Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Blossoms, The Script, Sting, Snow Patrol, James, McFly, Busted, Paul Heaton, Gary Barlow, Elbow, Rag’n’Bone Man, Beverley Knight, Razorlight, Billy Bragg, The Coral, The Brand New Heavies, Shed Seven, Freya Ridings and more.
Forestry England manage and care for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests. They use the money Forest Live raises to maintain these beautiful natural areas for everyone to enjoy, run important conservation projects and keep growing trees. Last year they planted some 7.4 million trees and welcomed 285 million visits in 2023/24. Everyone in England lives within a one-hour drive of one of the nation’s forests. Over two million people have enjoyed the Forest Live gigs over the last 23 years.
This year sees Forestry England present the concert series in partnership with Live Nation’s Cuffe & Taylor for the second year running.
Sting with support from Imelda May + Sophie Grey
Wednesday 18 June 2025, Forestry England Westonbirt Arboretum
Friday 27 June 2025, Forestry England Cannock Chase
Snow Patrol with support from Freya Ridings + The Florentinas
Friday 13 June 2025, Forestry England Delamere Forest
Tuesday 17 June 2025, Forestry England Westonbirt Arboretum
Thursday 26 June 2025, Forestry England Cannock Chase
Fans can sign up for information, announcements and tickets at forestlive.com.
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