SIMPLY Red are the first band to be announced for the Thetford Forest line-up next year.

SIMPLY Red are the first band to be announced for the Thetford Forest line-up next year.

Dubbed one of the most popular bands of the past 25 years, Simply Red, will perform a string of dates in woodland locations next summer, including Thetford, as part of Forestry Commission Live Music.

Fronted by Mick Hucknall, a catalogue of hit singles like Holding Back The Years, Something Got Me Started, If You Don't Know Me By Now, For Your Babies, Fairground, Angel, Sunrise and Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye established Simply Red's status across the globe.

Classic albums like Picture Book, A New Flame, Stars, Blue and Home formed part of the record collection for a whole generation.

Mick Hucknall said: “As we had such fun performing a solo forest show at Westonbirt Arboretum this year, we decided it would be great to play all the forest concert venues around the country in 2010. It is a fantastic experience for a band to play in these unique settings.”

Forestry Commission Live Music pays for itself and any profit generated goes back into improving woodlands for both wildlife and the public to enjoy.

Simply Red will be performing at Thetford Forest on Friday, June 11. Tickets are �38 (subject to booking fee) and go on sale at 9am on Friday from the ticket hotline on 01842 814612 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music