BOYZONE will play at Westonbirt this summer as part of a series of forest gigs to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary.

In a continuation of the celebration of their ‘BZ20’ anniversary, the group will be performing in four spectacular woodland locations as part of the Forestry Commission’s annual concert series.

Ronan, Keith, Shane and Mikey will perform at Westonbirt on July 18.

In November 1993 a bunch of young lads from the North side of Dublin infamously appeared on Ireland’s biggest TV show ‘The Late Late Show’ and the rest, as they say... is history.

Twenty one singles, seven albums, twenty five million record sales, hundreds of gigs, millions of memories and twenty years later, Boyzone are still going strong.

A phenomenal start to a musical career, they scored 16 consecutive top five singles such as ‘Love Me For A Reason’, ‘Father and Son’ and ‘Picture of You’ and the run included six number one’s ‘Words’, ‘A Different Beat’, ‘All That I Need’, ‘No Matter What’, ‘When The Going Gets Tough’ and ‘You Needed Me’.

The group enjoyed a seven-year hiatus from 1999 when they took time off to pursue individual careers.

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.

Commenting on the shows, Ronan Keating said, “We’re pleased to be part of the Forest Live tour this year for the first time. It’s going to be great to perform our hits in such beautiful locations”.

* Boyzone plus guests will be performing at Westonbirt Arboretum on Friday July 18. Tickets £42.35 cost and go on sale at 9am this Friday (January 10) from the Forestry Commission box office tel 03000 680400 or online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.