Concerts and festivals usually issue long lists of banned items that revellers aren't allowed to bring along, and food and drink is frequently among them. However, there is a series of outdoor gigs being held near Bristol that are picnic-friendly to make the most of the gorgeous woodland setting.
Forest Live returns to Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire in a matter of days, and is one of several Forestry England sites welcoming big headliners this week and next week. On Thursday evening (June 8) the picturesque venue will host Paul Weller, followed by Tom Grennan on Friday and Jack Savoretti on Saturday, who will bring special guest Natalie Imbruglia.
Forestry England says the concerts have become known for their "relaxed atmosphere and spectacular forest backdrops", with income generated from ticket sales helping to "look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive". Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire, Delamere Forest in Cheshire and Thetford Forest in Suffolk are the other locations taking part.
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Madness (sold out), Anne Marie and Richard Ashcroft (sold out) complete the overall line-up at the other locations. Jack Savoretti said in advance of his gigs: "I love performing at these wonderful woodland locations, they are like no other live arenas."
Organisers' guide on 'what to bring' advises of bag searches and states that "the less you bring the quicker it will be for you to enter the arena". However, it adds that people might want to bring along folding chairs or blankets, as well as a waterproof in case of rain because umbrellas are not allowed.
Metal cutlery is also banned and gig-goers are encouraged to "consider the environment and bring re-usable containers" and to limit single-use plastic. Those who are carrying bags smaller than A4 size, who have no liquids, will be allowed 'fast lane' access.
Read the full list below of what is and is not allowed at Forest Live:
Banned items
- Umbrellas
- Tables
- Trollies
- Flagpoles
- Parasols
- Gazebos
- Tents
- Laser pens
- Banners
- Selfie sticks
- Naked flames, including but not limited to, fireworks, BBQs, sparklers, candles and flares
- Glass, metal cutlery and breakable crockery
- Undiluted spirits
- Any illegal drugs
- Dogs (except for registered assistance dogs)
- Any professional photography equipment (including tripods and cameras with detachable lenses)
- Undiluted spirits
Can I bring food and drink, including alcohol?
Organisers state that picnics are "welcome", except for the items outlined above, with flasks and re-usable metal water bottles permitted and encouraged. Cans of drink are allowed, but undiluted spirits are not allowed.
Alcoholic drinks are allowed but no more than the total of one litre of soft and/or alcoholic drink is permitted per person. The guidance adds that: "Larger containers e.g. wine boxes are permitted when shared between a party, as long as this does not exceed one litre per person and all of the party enter the arena together."
- Westonbirt tickets start at £44.50 and gates open at 6pm. Anyone arriving by car is advised to allow plenty of time for entry and exit, with organisers advising that it can take up to an hour to leave at the end of the night.
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