Scottish rock band Texas is heading to the Westonbirt Arboretum as part of the Forest Live series of gigs at woodland venues across the UK and frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri couldn't be more thrilled. 

 “We last played a Forest Live show in 2011, so for us it’s a welcome return to be performing our hits in such a beautiful setting," she said in the gig announcement.

The band's lead singer said one of the joys of touring was being able to play in weird and wonderful venues. 

"One minute you’re playing like a dug-out street somewhere in Spain, an old river that’s now a road where they've shut the whole city down, and then you're playing in a forest.

"I remember playing in front of a lake. So many different venues, played in mountains, ski seasons, snow, wind and everyone’s turning up in their ski."

The Glaswegian added that she has another reason for wanting to play in such a unique venue as Westonbirt. 

"I live between London and North Wales, my husband’s a chef, we have a smallholding in Wales and we supply the fruit and veg to restaurants there. We have bee hives, we have chickens. The outdoors and nature are very important."

But Sharleen is also hoping that as well as the beautiful surroundings, the audience will have a great time. 

"When you walk on stage, that's the only moment when it’s in your hands, but once you'ved batted out the first song the audience decides where the show’s going to go. The exchange between you and the audience becomes this one moment.

"Just expect to not expect, it'll be fun, strap in, get ready, it’s going to be a fantastic show. We're on tour at the moment, in full flight, so we can't wait!"

Income generated from the ticket sales of the Texas gig will go towards helping to look after the nation’s forests sustainably, for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive.

Tickets for Texas at Westonbirt Arboretum and the other Forest Live 2022 venues can be purchased from the Forestry England website here.

The band joins Keane, Madness, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Rag'n'Bone Man playing this year's music festival for three days from June 9.