Bristol’s beloved FORWARDS Festival is set to triumphantly return for 2025, bringing an electrifying lineup of international music acts to Clifton Downs on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. Now in its fourth year, the festival continues to push boundaries, blending world-class performances with thought-provoking discussions and cultural initiatives.
The festival’s Saturday lineup will see a fusion of electronic and jazz influences, with renowned DJ and producer Barry Can’t Swim and the Mercury Prize, BRIT-winning Ezra Collective co-headlining. They will be joined by diverse acts, including dance-pop legends Confidence Man, electronic pioneers Orbital, and post-punk revivalists English Teacher. Also gracing the stage will be Mount Kimbie, Happy Mondays, Katy J Pearson, Ishmael Ensemble and The Rituals Orchestra, and Mermaid Chunky.
Sunday’s headliners mark a historic moment for FORWARDS, as an all-female lineup takes centre stage. 2025 GRAMMY winner and rapper Doechii will make her highly anticipated Bristol debut, bringing her signature blend of hip-hop and R&B to the festival. She will be joined by soulful singer-songwriter Jorja Smith and the rising indie rock band The Last Dinner Party. Other acts scheduled for Sunday include Olivia Dean, Fabio & Grooverider Orchestra and The Outlook Orchestra, Moonchild Sanelly, The Silhouettes Project, Alemeda, and Snapped Ankles.
FORWARDS Festival has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most progressive music events, curating a weekend that is as intellectually engaging as it is musically thrilling. Beyond the star-studded performances, the festival’s INFORMATION stage will once again host discussions featuring experts, creatives, and disruptors, offering a platform for social change and critical debate.
Tom Paine, Co-founder of Team Love, expressed his excitement for the festival’s continued growth: “FORWARDS is back for its fourth year, and we couldn’t be prouder. Each year it grows, evolves, and delivers even more for the city of Bristol and beyond. From an international and genre-spanning music lineup to future-thinking talks, initiatives, and a growing-in-popularity kids area, FORWARDS is the perfect day out for everyone.”
Jim King, CEO of European Festivals at AEG Presents, echoed the enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to be bringing FORWARDS back to the Bristol Downs for its fourth year. With headliners Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Doechii, Jorja Smith, and The Last Dinner Party, the festival offers a packed lineup of international music acts. The INFORMATION stage will also provide an important platform for discussion, featuring a host of experts, creatives, and thinkers.”
FORWARDS Festival 2025 promises to invite its biggest line up of acts yet and deliver an unforgettable bank holiday weekend of music, culture, and conversation, solidifying its place as a must-attend event for music lovers and change makers alike.
Pre-sale tickets go live at 10:00 GMT on 5 March 2025, with general sale beginning at 10:00 GMT on 6 March 2025.
For more details and ticket purchases, visit www.forwardsbristol.co.uk
