RICK Astley is the first artist to announce a date at Westonbirt Arboretum as part of Forest Live 2017, the summer concert series promoted by the Forestry Commission.

Soulful-voiced pop singer and multi-million selling artist, Rick Astley has had a lot to celebrate.

With his first No 1 album in twenty-nine years, titled 50, the Brit Award winning singer has pulled off one of pop’s most remarkable comebacks.

50 has gone gold and has been well received by fans and critics alike, with singles Keep Singing and Angels On My Side dominating the airwaves and raking in nearly 1.8m views on VEVO and over 600,000 streams on Spotify.

Astley was just 21 years old when he released Never Gonna Give You Up. It became the UK’s biggest selling single of the year, going on to hit No 1 in 16 countries.

The song became the centrepiece of debut album Whenever You Need Somebody, which sold 15 million copies worldwide, cracking the US Top 10 in the process.

Holding the distinction of being the first male solo artist to see his first eight singles reach the UK Top Ten, the hits continued with Together Forever; She Wants To Dance With Me; Take Me To Your Heart; Hold Me In Your Arms and Cry For Help.

Following on from a run of sold out indoor spring ’17 tour dates, at the Forest Live gigs fans can look forward to seeing Rick perform a set of songs from his latest album and greatest hits.

Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences.

Income generated from ticket sales is spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife.

Commenting on the concerts, Rick Astley said: “2017 sees me celebrating 30 years in the music business since my first No 1 hit.

"I can’t wait to perform as a part of Forest Live and I really hope you can make one of the dates to enjoy the experience with me.”

Tickets £36.50 (plus £4.15 booking fee) go on sale at 9am Friday 21 October from the Forestry Commission box office tel: 03000 680400, or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music