RUDIMENTAL set to join Forest Live Lineup in 2027
Forest Live announces next headliner for 2027 series with RUDIMENTAL announced for Thetford Forest, Delamere Forest and Cannock Chase Forest
Forest Live, Forestry England’s summer concert series presented with Cuffe & Taylor, have announced their next headliner for the 2027 series, with Drum & Bass legends RUDIMENTAL set to return to Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford on June 16 and for the first time at Forestry England Delamere on 17 June and Forestry England Cannock Chase on 27 June. Tickets for the shows are on sale at 10am on Friday 16 October from www.forestlive.com. They previously played Forest Live shows at Thetford Forest and at Forestry England Westonbirt Arboretum in 2016.
RUDIMENTAL are a genre-bending British electronic group formed in Hackney, East London, in 2010. Currently operating as a trio consisting of childhood friends Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden, and Leon "Locksmith" Rolle, the band first broke out of the underground pirate radio scene to top the UK charts with their 2012 smash single "Feel the Love". Renowned for their high-energy live performances and multi-instrumental approach, they blend Drum and Bass, jungle, soul, grime, and electronica. Over their career, they have accumulated over 5 billion streams, released multiple chart-topping albums like Home, and collaborated with a massive roster of top-tier talent including Ed Sheeran, Ella Eyre, and John Newman.
Following a lineup change, the group has continued to pioneer their unique sound, returning last year with their fifth album, RUDIMENTAL, featuring the Top 10 single “Dancing Is Healing” and the Skepsis-assisted “Green & Gold”, the latter of which ended up becoming the second most-streamed DnB tune on Spotify in 2024. A rekindling of their passion for the genre and the pirate radio ethos that raised them, the album features legends like Popcaan, Idris Elba, Khalid and MIST, along with emerging talent including Charlotte Plank, Venbee and Mystic Marley, emphasising their reach and significance within the DnB scene and music globally.
Since RUDIMENTAL started out and found their footing, their ascent was quick. Radio play followed and they began to amass a loyal fanbase. Their melodic, at times emotive take on Drum & Bass proved a welcome counter to the chugging, heavy-bass sound that was so widespread at the time. Their collaborations with guest singers found instant support and revealed their instincts for moving away from the crowd. Across their career, RUDIMENTAL have sold more than 25 million singles and 3 million albums worldwide, amassed over 5 billion streams, scored three UK No.1 singles and two UK No.1 albums, while collecting BRIT and MOBO Awards alongside a Mercury Prize nomination. With platinum certifications across the UK, Australia and beyond, they remain one of the defining acts in modern British dance music. To this day, their relevance and ability to connect with new generations is undeniable, whilst being a leading light in the DnB renaissance is evident by the fact the trio have managed to hold down their position in Spotify’s list of the top 10 most-streamed Drum & Bass artists.
This show will see RUDIMENTAL mixing DJing, electronic music production and live instrumentation. Piers, Leon and Kesi are incredible musicians (between them they play guitars, bass guitars, drums, and keyboards) and the Forest Live show will be an electric live performance from three guys at the pinnacle of their art. Special guests include Girls Don’t Sync (Thetford Forest and Delamere Forest), MJ Cole (all venues) and Charlie T (Cannock Chase Forest).
Forestry England manage and care for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests. They use the money Forest Live raises to maintain these beautiful natural areas for everyone to enjoy, run important conservation projects and keep growing trees.
Each year, they plant over 7 million trees, and welcomed 326 million visits in 2025/26. Everyone in England lives within a one-hour drive of one of the nation’s forests. Over 2.5 million people have enjoyed the Forest Live gigs over the last quarter of a century, with the concert series celebrating its 25th anniversary in the summer of 2026.
RUDIMENTAL follow previously announced Ronan Keating with Blue and Madness (with Scouting For Girls) as headliners for 2027’s Forest Live series.
PayPal is making it easier for music lovers to secure their spot at Forest Live with exclusive presale access. Starting on Wednesday 14 October at 10am, a limited number of tickets will be available exclusively to PayPal customers for up to 48 hours.
RUDIMENTAL at Forest Live 2027:
Wednesday 16 June - Forestry England High Lodge, Thetford. Special guests are Girls Don’t Sync and MJ Cole
Thursday 17 June - Forestry England Delamere. Special guests are Girls Don’t Sync and MJ Cole
Sunday 27 June - Forestry England Cannock Chase. Special guests are MJ Cole and Charlie T
Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on Friday 16 October and fans can sign up for information, announcements, and exclusive pre-sale access at forestlive.com.
