GARY Barlow is the first artist to be announced as part of Forest Live 2018, the annual summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission.

The singer-songwriter and record producer will perform in Delamere Forest on June 9.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 20.

Gary Barlow found worldwide fame as a member of British pop group Take That.

Since forming in 1989 Take That have won eight BRIT awards, sold over 45 million records and over eight million concert tickets.

Gary is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters, having written 14 Number One singles as well as being a six-time recipient of an Ivor Novello Award. Gary said: “I’m really looking forward to these gigs. I’ve never played Forest Live before so I hope to see you there.”

Aside from his achievements with Take That, he has also co-written and produced music for other renowned artists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Robbie Williams.

Gary’s last solo record ‘Since I Saw You Last’ sold more than 600,000 copies.

Gary has also turned his attention to the world of theatre, composing the score for the hugely successful production ‘Finding Neverland’, working alongside screenwriter Tim Firth to write the music and lyrics for musical ’The Girls’ and also working alongside his Take That band mates to produce ‘The Band’ a record breaking musical featuring the music of Take That.

Forest Live is a major live music series, managed by the Forestry Commission. Held annually in seven beautiful forest locations across the country, over 1.5 million people have attended a gig in the programme’s seventeen-year history.

With everything required for a great night out, including good food and bar, the concerts are renowned for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop.

Income generated from ticket sales helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Tickets priced £47.50 (plus £5.25 booking fee) go on sale from 10am on Friday, October 20 from the Forestry Commission box office on 03000 680400 and online at forestry.gov.uk/music.