Paul Heaton and Billy Bragg Dazzle Full House at Forest Live, Westonbirt
- Sam Holt
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum. - 20 July 2025
IMAGES / WORDS SAM HOLT
Back at the turn of the new century, the Forestry Commission launched a series of concerts. It’s evolved somewhat over the years and now runs every June at several of their popular sites around the country. Tonight, I am in Westonbirt for the fourth of six gigs, this one showcasing the music of Paul Heaton — the ex-Housemartins and The Beautiful South vocalist. Following both of these, he formed a singing partnership with Jacqui Abbott from the latter act. Unfortunately, this partnership is no more due to illness. Since 2023, he has been joined by Rianne Downey. Support for tonight comes from the folk/protest/punk-inspired singer-songwriter Billy Bragg.
Billy Bragg takes to the stage first, opening his set with St Swithen’s Day. He is joined by a guitarist/mandolin/steel guitar player and a keyboard player he affectionately refers to as Rusty and Shaggy. There is a fair amount of humour among the more politically charged work of Mr. Bragg.
He told us he was recently in America, where a woman complimented his accent and asked the name of his act. He replied, “Billy Bragg,” to which she responded, “There was a Billy Bragg in the 1980s.” She clearly hadn’t realised he was the same person, several decades later.
He joked about minor issues, but became much more vocal after performing Sexuality, where he had slightly altered the lyrics to stand in solidarity with the trans community. He commented, “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? Back in the '80s it was all about Section 28 and Thatcher. These days, a well-known author would’ve been wiser spending her money tackling the real issue in society — male violence.” The audience appeared to stand with him. His set was well received, and he closed with what he called a banger: Shirley.
Paul Heaton and his band arrived on stage to great applause, with a backdrop featuring Paul’s face and the words Welcome to Heatongrad. They opened with Just Another Family and Bow Down, before Paul spoke to the crowd — delighted to be in Westonbirt, Gloucestershire.
He followed with Old Red Eyes Is Back and asked the audience, “What do you think of the shorts? The rest of the band persuaded me to wear them — and why not, it’s been another hot one.”
As expected, the set was largely made up of Housemartins and Beautiful South material — songs that are well recognised and loved. A devoted Sheffield United supporter (football seems to be a big part of his life), Paul introduced the band by name, instrument, and football team — before asking which one drew the loudest cheer. Judging by the reaction, Rotherham seemed well respected in these parts!
The hits kept coming, including a great version of Me and the Farmer, which he dedicated to the farmers of Gloucestershire. It also saw him playing guitar.
Don’t Marry Her, a Beautiful South track, includes the F-word — at which point Paul introduced Kat, standing at the side of the stage, from British Sign Language, who had been signing all evening. I never did catch what the sign for that word was.
Heatongrad, from his 2015 album Wisdom, Laughter and Lines, is not only an interesting song but also formed the backdrop to the stage set. It reflects the spirit of his shows: fun and inclusivity.
Introducing Happy Hour, Paul recalled his first time on Top of the Pops and how he tried to soak it all in, expecting it to be his only hit. He went on to thank everyone for helping him enjoy more than just that one success.
As the 26-song set concluded — oversized balloons and sparklars lighting up the front of the stage — the audience was treated to even more classics that had people dancing and singing along.
It was an enticing evening — two proudly working-class lads done good, both still grounded and proud of their roots. In a setting that is predominantly middle-class (the Forest Live audience), Heaton even joked at one point about the “posh deckchair w****** out there in the audience” — but with his cheeky persona, he could say it and get away with it.
The stage show, lighting, and sound were all spot-on, and it seemed a great night was had by all. As I left, I was tipped off that tonight’s show was at full capacity. I’m not surprised — and it’s great to see venues buzzing again.
Paul Heaton Set List
Just Another Family
Bow Down
Old Red Eyes Is Back
Sheep
Bell Bottomed Tear
Quicksand
Five Get Over Excited
Sail This Ship
I Don’t See Them
Fish ‘N’ Chip Supper
Song for Whoever
Me and the Farmer
Small Boats
A Little Time
Don’t Marry Her
Heatongrad
Build
Pretenders
Happy Hour
Perfect 10
Let Love Speak Up Itself
Good as Gold
Encore 1
23. One Last Love Song
24. Keep It All In
Encore 2
25. Rotterdam
26. Caravan
27. Place in the Sun
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