Sherwood Pines set to host Blondie concert

Blondie have confirmed a special tour of the nation’s woodlands in the summer of 2013, when they will be performing as part of the Forestry Commission’s annual concert series Forest Live.

The band, which emerged from New York’s celebrated new wave scene producing innovative music with their rock/disco, reggae and hip-hop influenced songs, will perform at the forest on Friday 14th June.

Fronted by pop icon Deborah Harry, their ground-breaking material brought them a stash of hit singles such as Denis, (I’m Always Touched by Your) Presence Dear, Picture This, Dreaming, Union City Blue and Rapture.

Now local audiences can hear the big hits in the natural tree-lined auditorium, set within the forest near Clipstone.

Blondie’s 20 year span of Number One hits includes Heart Of Glass, Sunday Girl, Atomic, Call Me, The Tide Is High and Maria.

Their singles success is complemented by more than 40 million album sales that include classic recordings like Plastic Letters, Parallel Lines and Eat to The Beat has ensured worldwide superstar status for this pioneering band.

Special guests will be The Lightning Seeds performing an acoustic set of their perfect pop songs like Pure, Lucky You and Change.

They were formed in 1989 by Ian Broudie and were originally a studio-based solo project for him. They expanded into a touring band following the release of their 1994 album, Jollification.

The group experienced commercial success throughout the 1990s and are well known for their single Three Lions, a collaboration with David Baddiel and Frank Skinner which reached Number One in the UK in 1996 and 1998.

Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission bringing music to new audiences without commercial branding or sponsorship.

Income generated from ticket sales is spent on improving the local forests for both people and wildlife.

With everything required for a great night out, including full catering and bar facilities, the gigs are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere. Earlier this summer, the stage welcomed Will Young, and Brit Award Winner Plan B.

The concert car park will open at 5pm. The Sherwood Pines Arena due to open at 6pm, with live music set to start around 7.30pm and finishing around 10.30pm.

Seating is not provided or reserved, but concert goers are welcome to bring folding picnic chairs and rugs. A standing area will be designated infront of the stage.

Tickets cost £36 (subject to booking fee) and are on sale now from the Forestry Commission box office on 03000 680400 or online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.