​One of Britain's best loved bands has announced a Gloucestershire date for the summer.

The legendary Status Quo will be appearing at Westonbirt Arboretum as part of Forestry Commission Live Music.

Status Quo have become a rock'n'roll institution - a prolific touring and recording act, who have accumulated total world-wide record sales exceeding 118 million units, with 29 of their 39 album releases making the UK top 20.

Classic hits like ‘Caroline’, ‘Down Down’, ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’, ‘Whatever You Want’ and ‘In The Army Now’ contribute to a presence of over seven and a half years on the British singles chart.

Status Quo duo Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt have both been awarded OBEs in the 2010 New Year's Honours for services to music and for charitable work.

This is complemented by a cabinet full of music industry accolades including: the coveted 'Silver Clef Award', presented annually by the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Trust for 'Outstanding Services to British Music'; Best Festival Feel Good Act from the UK Festival Awards; a Brit Award for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Music Industry'.

Forestry Commission Live Music encourages people to see their local forests in a new way and return again to explore the beautiful woodland environment and the recreational and leisure opportunities on offer.

For Status Quo, Francis Rossi said: "We like to play the forests each year so we are pleased to announce Westonbirt is part of our plans for the summer, especially as we had a great time performing to a capacity crowd last time we were there”.

Status Quo will be performing at:

Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Glos, Saturday 17th July 2010

Tickets, £33.00 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9.00am Friday 15th January 2010 from Forestry Commission box Office tel 01842 814612 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music