Forest team get ready for big shows

The production crew for the Forestry Commission's 2008 Cannock Chase Forest concerts next weekend will be moving on site early next week.

Around 30 production and forest staff will be responsible for turning the open recreational space into the concert arena, increasing to a team of over 100 over the weekend in preparation for gigs by Status Quo, The Zutons and The Charlatans. More than 140 lights and 22 sound cabinets will be put into position either side of the stage in good time for sound-checks each show day.

Alongside getting the stage production rigged, the arena's facilities are put in place including bars and catering units, toilets, first aid, emergency exit gates, fire points and one kilometre of steel fencing .

David Barrow, the forest tour's programmer and production manager, said: "It takes a day and a half to build the stage and then another day to get the main stage generators, lighting and PA rigged.

"In general it takes three days to set up the entire show and just over a day to de-rig and return the site to normal.

"The site will be a hive of activity throughout the week. It's pretty intense but the majority of the production team and forest staff have been involved for several years, so everyone is ready to play their part."

This year Cannock Chase Forest will host Status Quo with special guest RPJ Band on the Friday, The Zutons with special guests Fionn Regan and Noah and The Whale on the Saturday and The Charlatans with special guests Glasvegas on the Sunday.

Further information at www.forestry.gov.uk/music or on 01842 814612.

Tickets are priced at £30 for Status Quo and £26 for The Zutons and The Charlatans. Tickets are also available to buy in advance and in person from the ticket office at the Birches Valley Visitor Centre.