FOREST LIVE FESTIVAL – DAY ONE – THE KOOKS

THE KOOKS AND CIRCA WAVES

The Kooks at Delamere Forest // 17th June 2026

Today was the first day of Forest Live at Delamere Forest this year, and if tonight’s anything to go by, this week is going to be very special. Tonight was the first of five shows at Forest Live and we had The Kooks kick it all off. I have been excited about this show since it was announced, especially with the amazing support acts joining the iconic indie band.

Reflecting on last year’s unforgettable shows at this forest, the well-kept setting and vibrant atmosphere set high expectations for this year’s Forest Live. Tonight’s kickoff with The Kooks promises a week just as memorable.

First we had Girl In The Year Above take to the stage – where the crowd was already packed – with only their first song being released in March this year the crowd seemed very excited to see this Irish / Cornish band. This band has a very unique style of music which blends a celtic narrative with an exhilarating emotional performance. The band’s lead vocalist is Jennifer Ball and their break through point seems to be where they covered ‘Teardrop’ by the legendary ‘Massive attack’ for the ‘Peaky Blinder’s: The Immortal Man’ soundtrack.

Jennifer Ball’s vocals are so ethereal it feels like something you’d hear as a soundtrack to a folklore tale. The band played a beautiful set that was complimented by the crows with their applause after every song. My personal favourite to hear live had to have been ‘Mama, my heart is achin’ as the ongoing beat behind the meaningful lyrics will just make you feel like you’re floating or even just frolicking through a forest which was perfect for this location. Even though this song is about grief and loss and is dedicated to Jennifer’s late mum it is the most beautiful song and is one that you definitely need to experience while being surrounded by the trees in the middle of a forest. Keep your eye out for this band as they are definitely one to watch.

Next we had the indie rock band ‘Circa Waves’ hit the stage which I also thought was a perfect support act for The Kooks. This band formed back in 2013 just over 13 years ago and originated in Liverpool which is perfect being so close to the forest. The band has released hits over the years and they released their 7th LP ‘Death and Love’ in October last year which I couldn’t wait to witness live. They really got the crowd ready for the main act of the night. The atmosphere was electric and the crowd was singing, shouting, clapping and dancing to every beat that this band produced.

They opened the set with ‘Do you wanna talk’ which was a hit with the crowd even if it was their first time hearing it. The whole band’s stage presence is amazing and isn’t one of those acts that just stand their static. My favourite song of their set had to be ‘T-Shirt weather’ which is also the song they closed the set out with leaving the crowd on a high as the anticipation grew around ‘The Kooks’ getting on the stage.

Moments before The Kooks came out on stage (pretty much the UK’s national anthem) Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond played and this moment was really something special; everyone singing along (even the staff were getting involved). The next thing we see is the fog machines turning on and The Kooks taking to the stage.

The crowd was packed with people of all ages showing The Kooks as a band that absolutely everyone loves. Throughout the set we heard absolute hits from the albums ‘Inside in/Inside out’, ‘Konk’ and ‘Listen’ which I can vouch for the crowd being very happy about.

They chose the perfect song to open the set with ‘Sofa Song’ in which the crowd nearly overpowered the sound coming from the speakers. What made this set even more special was the gorgeous sunset that everyone could see within the trees – it was the perfect day for it especially as The Kooks has a very summery sound.

Two songs into the set there was a sea of people on each other’s shoulders and this is one of my favourite things to see at a concert. Luke Pritchard is one of the most fabulous vocalists with an even better stage presence which makes the crowd go wild. Every song that was played during the set radiated energy that the crowd took in and reflected back to the band.

One of my favourite things about Forest Live has to be the community and the people you meet there as no one looks like strangers and its truly beautiful seeing music bring people closer together. They played some absolute classics such as; ‘She moves in her own way’, ‘Seaside’, ‘Ooh la’, ‘Westside’ and ‘Do you wanna’.

When the end of the set came by (which felt like it had come too quickly) they played everyone’s favourite song that absolutely everyone knew the words to ‘Naive’ – even the security guards were singing along. This song live was so magical the atmosphere was like something I’d never felt before.