POP band The Beautiful South are heading North for a spectacular forest gig.

The concert in Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, is the latest in a series at the 8,500-acre site.

Last year, a concert by Paul Weller sold out. Other performers have included Pulp, Status Quo and Jools Holland.

Thousands of fans are expected to descend on the woodland for the event on June 25.

The organiser for the Forestry Commission, Paul Cody, said: "We are thrilled to have secured The Beautiful South for this year's event.

"They will arrive in Dalby on the back of a fantastic new single from their Golddiggas album and have enjoyed recent sellout tours.

"The forest has gained a brilliant reputation as a venue for live music, and the cash we raise will help us care for our woodlands across the region."

Tickets are £24 and will go on sale on Saturday. To book, call (01842) 814612 or go to www.beautifulsouth.co.uk

An announcement is to be made soon about a gig by another major band at the venue.

Published: 18/01/2005