Article written by Christina Thompson // @c.atphotography

Forest live is back for 2026 and is returning to Delamere forest for another year after 2025’s electrifying line-up of acts which included the legendary Snow Patrol, Gary Barlow and The Blossoms, which we were lucky enough to catch. This renowned day festival is definitely not one to miss from the high energy crowds to the picturesque setting. Forest Live holds day festivals like this all over the country at Delamere forest, Cannock chase forest, High lodge, Thetford forest and the Westonbirt Arboretum. The acts announced for Delamere forest so far include the indie superstars The Kooks, Skunk Anansie, Garbage, UB40, McFly and the iconic Dj Fatboy Slim. These acts run over a 5 day period at Delamere Forest with The Kooks kicking it all off on the 17th of June and McFly closing out the shows at Delamere on the 21st. Another pro of these shows being held at Delamere means it is in easy reach from both city centres of Manchester and Liverpool!

The Kooks open the festival in Delamere which we can tell will already be an electrifying performance. As they headed out on their headline arena tour in October 2025 where the crowds were seen to have loved every second of it. After releasing their hit album in 2006, ‘Inside In Inside Out’, they rose to fame and continued releasing amazing songs that everyone loves. The crowd is bound to be singing along to every song played. The support acts are yet to be announced but I am sure they are going to be show stopping and the perfect warm-up for before the band come on. 

British rock band, Skunk Anansie and Alternative rock band, Garbage are then Co-headlining the forest. After an indie performance from the night before to two renowned punk acts there is truly something for everyone at forest live. Skunk Anansie formed in 1994 disbanded in 2001 but got back together in 2009 and they have been stronger than ever, ever since. Their debut album ‘Stoosh’ set the standard of what this band would bring to the world – and wow it is and has been truly amazing. Garbage’s debut album was released in 1999 and then remastered in 2015 and it’s safe to say their first album was the start of something big for this band and it only went up from there. Even though this band was formed in America in 1993 their front woman Shirley Manson is a Scottish musician her vocals are definitely not one to miss. After 20+ years of this band being formed the members have stayed unchanged and this is truly special. It is also so amazing to have two female fronted rock bands on the bill for the second day of forest live. 

UB40 ft Ali Campbell then take to the stage on the third day of Forest live in Delamere forest where their biggest hit ‘Red red wine’ will definitely be heard and lets hope its a sunny day for it. I can’t wait to see a crowd of people singing and swaying to this song. If you don’t know this band they are a British Reggae band that have had over 50 singles in the UK singles chart, if this doesn’t showcase the bands talent I don’t know what will. Their stage presence also is so magical. 

One of the most highly anticipated acts of the week is Fatboy Slim and he’s bound to get the party started before the last day of forest live 2026. Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook, started his music career in 1979 and then joined the Housemartians as a bassist, after the Housemartins broke up he then transitioned into his solo career into dance music and formed Beats International and grew from there. This day is sure to be high energy and upbeat so if you like to dance and like dance music this is the day for you. 

The last act of this run of shows is McFly which is very fitting due to Busted having played in 2025 just before their UK arena tour ‘Busted Vs McFly’ which was billed the ultimate battle of the bands. If you don’t know who McFly are they are a very well known British Rock band that formed 23 years ago back in 2003. They have put out so many hits over the years that are still played to this day and they always put on a show stopping performance. 

Forest Live always puts out headliners from different genres which diversifies it and means that there is something for everyone especially within the shows at Delamere!

Get your tickets now – https://www.forestryengland.uk/music

See you in the forest!