By Jessica Durston
Forest Live, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England, has announced that JP Cooper will be playing ahead of Gregory Porter at Westonbirt Arboretum on Thursday 4 July 2024.
A spokesperson for the concert series says: “Best known for featuring on the Jonas Blue hit single “Perfect Strangers”, which was certified platinum in the UK, JP Cooper has since released two studio albums and collaborated with the likes of Gabrielle Aplin, Craig David, Stefflon Don and Mali-Koa Hood.
“Forging his own distinct take on soul, alt-rock and tropical house, he will be heading to Westonbirt this summer ahead of an extensive world tour later in the year.”
JP Cooper said: “I’m so excited to have been asked to join Gregory Porter on a few of his outdoor UK performances this summer. My wife and I have been huge fans for a long while now so it’s an honour to be invited to perform with such an amazing artist.
“These shows are in such beautiful settings, what a way to spend a summer evening. I’m very grateful for opportunities like these. I’ll look forward to seeing you all there.”
Gregory Porter broke through into the popular music scene almost a decade ago with his album ‘Liquid Spirit.’ Porter is a double Grammy-winner (Best Jazz Vocal Album for ‘Liquid Spirit’ (2014) and Best Jazz Vocal Album for ‘Take Me To The Alley’ (2017) and seven-time Grammy nominee. He has has amassed cumulative streams of 1.6 billion and counting.
JP Cooper’s support slot completes the line-up for the Forest Live’s summer concert series at Westonbirt Arboretum. This special run of shows will also feature headline performances from acclaimed popstar Anne-Marie on 5 July, Irish folk-pop icons The Corrs on 6 July, Northern Irish musical icon Van Morrison on 7 July and disco legends Nile Rodgers & CHIC on 12 July.
Forest Live’s spokesperson adds: “Forestry England uses the money Forest Live raises to maintain beautiful natural areas for everyone to enjoy, run important conservation projects and keep growing trees. Last year they planted some 7.4 million trees, caring for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests sustainably and welcoming 291 million visits in 2022-23.
“Everyone in England lives within a one-hour drive of one of the nation’s forests. Over two million people have enjoyed the Forest Live gigs over the last twenty-three years.”
This year, the team present the concerts in partnership with Live Nation’s Cuffe & Taylor for the first time. Gigs will take place at six forests throughout England – Delamere Forest, Dalby Forest, Sherwood Pines, High Lodge Thetford Forest, Westonbirt Arboretum and Cannock Chase Forest.
Those interested can sign up for more information and find tickets at forestlive.com.
Gregory Porter
Westonbirt Arboretum