Kent's Forest Live gigs in June 2015 will feature Ivor Novello Award-winning singer-songwriter, Tom Odell.

Tom is the first-announced act to be revealed as part of Forestry Commission’s Forest Live, which will see him perform at Kent's Bedgebury Pinetum near Tunbridge Wells on Friday, June 19.

He said: “This will be a whole new experience for me. I can’t wait to bring my live show to the woods and I hope to see you there.”

Released in June 2013, Tom’s debut album, Long Way Down, shot straight to number one.

He heard the news while performing on the John Peel Stage at Glastonbury that year. Described by The Telegraph as “utterly compelling”, singles from the album including Can’t Pretend, Hold Me and the gargantuan Another Love illustrate a song-writing maturity beyond his years.

This has resulted in his achieving the ultimate industry accolade of Songwriter of the Year at the 2014 Ivor Novello Awards as well as previously winning the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award for 2013.

Following a succession of sold out headline tours and with Long Way Down being certified gold, a packed summer of festival appearances in 2014 included V Festival, Isle of Wight and a show supporting one of his idols, Neil Young, at Hyde Park.

Chosen to perform the soundtrack to this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert, the 24-year-old has added his spine-tingling vocals to a cover of John Lennon’s classic Real Love, generating millions of YouTube views. Tom is currently in the studio recording his new album.

Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences. Two headline acts usually perform on consecutive nights: organisers say no date is in place yet to announce the other Bedgebury headline act.

Income generated from ticket sales is spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s forests and woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife. Over Forest Live’s 14 year history, money raised has contributed to a wide range of projects, from wildlife conservation to making improvements for visitors.

Full catering and bar facilities at the gigs, which are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere.

Tickets go on sale from 9am on Friday, December 19 at a cost of £34.50 plus £3.45 booking fee from the Forestry Commission box office. Call 03000 680400 or visit forestry.gov.uk/music.