PAUL Weller, McFly, massive crowds and a woodland clearing – not exactly your average gig set up.

But this unusual mix will be exactly what you can expect at Dalby Forest in June, when the Modfather Of Rock and pop favourites McFly perform on separate nights at the Forestry Commission’s 2009 series of open air concerts.

Every year since 2001, the commission has lined up an array of stars to play at its woodland sites across the UK – to raise awareness about its work and to generate valuable cash to fund its environmental projects.

Of the six venues taking part, the nearest to Huddersfield is Dalby Forest at Pickering.

Previous acts to take the stage there include The Levellers, Pulp and Jools Holland – a regular favourite on the woodland concert scene.

This year, McFly will open the musical festivities at Adderstone Field, a natural clearing in the forest, on June 26.

They performed a forest gig at Thetford last year and loved the experience.

Band member Danny Jones said: “We loved playing to a sold-out crowd at Thetford forest last summer, so we are delighted to include three more forest gigs in our plans for 09.”

It’s less than five years since a teenage McFly stormed the charts with debut single Five Colours In Her Hair, following up with seven number one singles, including Obviously, All About You and I’ll Be Ok.

Despite his tender years, frontman Tom Fletcher has penned more number one hits than U2, Queen and Robbie Williams.

In 2008, McFly brought out their latest album, Radio:ACTIVE and their latest single, Do Ya/Stay With Me came out as the official BBC Children In Need song.

Often described as the elder statesman of Britpop, Paul Weller has been wowing audiences since before McFly were born.

He has weathered the fickle changes of the music industry – from his time in The Jam to being part of Style Council and launching a hugely successful solo career.

Some have named him one of the greatest singer-songwriters in British popular music and last year showed he has lost none of his magic, when he released acclaimed number one album 22 Dreams – his ninth album solo album in a career spanning over three decades.

Weller made his forest concert debut at Dalby in 2004, performing to a capacity crowd.

His long-awaited return on June 27 looks set to attract many fans, so if you want to see him play in one of Yorkshire’s most atmospheric settings, get your tickets quick.

They cost £33 and went on sale last Friday from the Forestry Commission box office on 01842 814612 or online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music.

McFly tickets are available on the same number and website, at a price of £26.50.