Indie favourites The Kooks have been announced as the latest headliners for Forestry England’s Forest Live 2026 concert series, presented in partnership with Cuffe & Taylor. The band will take to the stage at the stunning Delamere Forest on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
Nearly two decades on from their debut, The Kooks’ music continues to resonate with both long-time fans and a new generation discovering their signature sound. Their 2006 debut album, which sold over two million copies, became a defining soundtrack of the mid-2000s, while platforms like TikTok have helped reintroduce their timeless indie anthems, such as Naïve and She Moves in Her Own Way, to millions of new listeners.
That resurgence has seen the band return to major festival line-ups and sell out arenas across the UK. Their recent headline tour, which included milestone shows at Manchester’s Co-op Live and London’s O2 Arena, marked a defining chapter in their career.
Frontman Luke Pritchard explained:
“You’re always trying to renovate your band and re-inspire yourself because you don’t want to fall into a pattern or formula.”
Alongside guitarist Hugh Harris, Pritchard continues to evolve the band’s sound, from their jangly indie beginnings to more experimental, synth-driven and soulful influences. Their seventh studio album, Never/Know, released earlier this year, became their highest-charting record since 2008, reaching the UK Top 5.
“I really feel like we’ve got our swagger back by letting things be and not making everything too perfect,” added Pritchard, with Harris agreeing: “At the heart of it, we both want the same thing, and that’s very powerful.”
Now entering their third decade together, The Kooks remain one of Britain’s most enduring live acts — a band that continues to unite generations of fans through feel-good, era-defining songs.
The Kooks join an impressive Forest Live 2026 line-up that already includes Becky Hill (Cannock Chase, Westonbirt Arboretum), Snow Patrol (Thetford), and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, who will perform across all forest venues.
The 2026 series marks 25 years of Forest Live, which blends world-class live music with the natural beauty of the nation’s forests. Shows will take place at Cannock Chase, Delamere, High Lodge, Thetford, and Westonbirt Arboretum.
Proceeds from Forest Live events directly support Forestry England’s ongoing conservation work, helping to maintain and protect more than 1,500 woods and forests across the country. In 2024/25 alone, Forestry England planted over 7.4 million trees and welcomed more than 313 million visits to its sites.
Since its launch, more than two million people have enjoyed a Forest Live show, an experience that perfectly combines live music and the great outdoors.
2026 will also mark the third year of the successful partnership between Forestry England and Live Nation’s Cuffe & Taylor, ensuring another unforgettable summer of live music among the trees.
General tickets will go on sale on Friday 31st October at 10am.
Fans can sign up for information, announcements, and exclusive pre-sale access at forestlive.com.
