Forwards Festival
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29 August - 30 August 2026 Stoke Road, Bristol, BS56XA
Forwards Festival returns to Clifton Downs, Bristol on the August bank holiday weekend, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August 2026 (TBC). This two-day inner-city music festival is known for hosting some of the biggest international music artists, alongside a diverse mix of heritage acts and exciting emerging talent from Bristol and beyond.
About Forwards Festival
More than just a music festival, Forwards Bristol is redefining what city festivals can be. Alongside incredible live performances, the festival is dedicated to social impact and positive change. Through its Forwards Thinking platform, the event supports year-round initiatives in partnership with Big Team CIC and Team Canteen CIC.
Festival-goers can also explore The Information, a unique space for cultural discussions, debates, and understanding of today’s most pressing issues. This makes Forwards one of the UK’s most progressive music festivals, combining entertainment with purpose.
Forwards Festival Line-up 2026
The Forwards Festival 2026 line-up has not yet been announced. Expect a stellar roster of world-class headliners, heritage acts, and Bristol’s finest local artists. Previous editions have featured an eclectic mix of genres, confirming Forwards as one of the most anticipated music festivals in the UK.
Tickets
Tickets for Forwards Festival 2026 are not yet on sale. Sign up for updates to be the first to know when tickets are released and secure your place at this landmark event in Bristol’s cultural calendar.
Essential Information
Festival Dates
Saturday 29th August & Sunday 30th August 2026 (TBC)
Location
Clifton Downs, Bristol, UK
Age Restrictions
Forwards Festival is strictly for ages 18 and over.
Accommodation
There is no camping on-site. However, Bristol offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses within easy reach of Clifton Downs.
Why Visit Forwards Festival Bristol?
Forwards is more than a music festival – it’s a celebration of Bristol’s rich music heritage, its vibrant cultural identity, and its role as a city of progress. If you’re looking for a UK festival in August 2026 that combines unforgettable live performances with meaningful community impact, Forwards Festival is unmissable.
Bristol Temple Meads, the city’s main station, has frequent trains from London, Cardiff, Bath and beyond. From Temple Meads, a short taxi or bus ride into the city centre takes just minutes. Once downtown, First Bus routes run up Gloucester Road and Stoke Road toward the Downs; many of these stop within a short walk of the festival site. Alternatively, visitors on the Severn Beach Line can alight at Clifton Down station, which is only about a 15-minute walk from Durdham Downs. Cyclists can also use the city’s bike lanes from nearby neighborhoods like Clifton and Redland to reach the park.
Bristol Airport (BRS) lies about 12 miles south of the city centre, with regular flights across the UK and Europe. The Airport Flyer coach and local airport buses shuttle passengers to Temple Meads and the city centre (around 30 minutes), where you can transfer to a train or bus to the festival. Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt, etc.) are available at the airport for direct city drop-offs. If arriving via London airports, trains run directly from Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads in about 2 hours. Cardiff Airport is roughly 1–1.5 hours away by car or train.
By car, Bristol is easily accessed via the M5 (from the south-west) and M4 (from the east). However, parking at Durdham Downs is very limited. We recommend using one of the city’s Park & Ride services (for example, Portway Park & Ride off the M5), which offer free parking and frequent buses into the city centre. From there you can take a short local bus or taxi to Stoke Road. Otherwise, consider parking in Clifton or a city-centre car park and then travelling by public transport – just allow extra time, as traffic can be heavy on busy weekends.
Accommodation is plentiful in Bristol. The city centre, Clifton and nearby neighbourhoods like Redland and Bedminster offer a mix of hotels, guesthouses and hostels for all budgets. It’s wise to book early, as August is a popular time for visitors. Since this is an urban festival, on-site camping isn’t available – staying in town is your best option. Many attendees choose accommodation near Temple Meads or in Clifton for easy transit to the Downs. Whether you prefer a boutique hotel, a cozy B&B or a budget hostel, Bristol’s compact layout and transit network make it easy to reach the festival each day.
Stoke Road, Bristol, BS56XA
