DELAMERE Forest is usually a haven of peace and quiet in the great outdoors.

Set in around 2,400 acres, it is the largest area of woodland in Cheshire and is a favourite among dog walkers and families out for a stroll.

But if you go down to the woods this weekend you are sure of a big surprise.

Summer concerts have been an annual event at Delamere Forest for the last 14 years.

And with preparations almost complete for three days of concerts, including Paloma Faith, Tom Odell and James, Weekend visited the site to see how the Forestry Commission team was getting on.

Fiona Dewsbury, recreation manager at Delamere Forest, said that everyone digs in and helps out over the weekend – with even the staff from the nursery mucking in.

More than 5,000 music fans are expected on each night and it takes months of hard work to transform part of the forest site into a concert venue.

Fiona said: ""The contractors turn up the weekend before and it just seems to go up, it really is amazing to see it

turn into an arena.

"And then two days after the festival you don't even know that they have been there."

The concerts have become a regular part of Delamere Forest's calendar for 14 years.

Acts such as Paul Weller, who has performed there four times, Manchester band The Courteeners, Blondie

and Madness have all found themselves in the woods.

This year Delamere play host to Paloma Faith with support from Liam Bailey tomorrow, Friday, followed by Tom Odell and Rae Morris on Saturday evening.

Manchester indie legends James with special guest James Walsh will then round off the weekend on Sunday.

"The staff love it," added Fiona.

"And it brings different people into the forest who can enjoy the atmosphere and hopefully they think about coming back.

"It's quite a fun thing to do but at the same time it is hard work and we are all absolutely shattered afterwards.

"I started three weeks before the concerts two years ago and by the Monday we couldn't believe that it has been here.

"It's quite eco-friendly in that way and we have a machine that comes in and takes away the rubbish after each night, so it is kept clean and tidy.

"We have to be very careful that the events don't impact on the environment in any way.

"Delamere Forest is served by its own train station, which has come in handy when big name bands from Manchester and Liverpool have performed at the events.

"We've got James coming down and that will bring quite a Manchester audience. But then we will have people

coming from all over as well.

"Everyone comes to enjoy themselves and it is a really relaxed environment.

"We used to do two nights across two weekends during the summer but now they have settled on three

nights over one weekend.

"People can still come to the forest during the day when it's not taking place so we have to be around for that as well."

Money from ticket sales from the 'Forest Live' events is spent on protecting and improving Delamere and other forests and woodlands for visitors and wildlife.

Over 14 years, Forest Live has raised funds for a number of Forestry Commission projects from wildlife conservation to making improvements for visitors.

If you are heading to 'Forest Live' this weekend the car parks open at 4pm and the music is set to finish at 10.45pm on each night.

Tickets are still available for Tom Odell on the Saturday.

Support artist Rae Morris, whose support album Unguarded reached the top 10 in the charts, said, “I supported Tom on a sold out UK indoor venue tour previously so I am delighted he has invited me along again and this time to perform in such a beautiful and unique location.

"There will be a great atmosphere. It should be a lot of fun."

For tickets and more information visit boxoffice.forestry.gov.uk