Bristol's Forwards Festival is set to kick off this weekend with an exciting lineup featuring artists like Doechii, Ezra Collective, and Orbital. Learn more about the event and what to expect if you're planning to attend.
Forwards Festival: Here's what you need to know
Festival season continues in the West with Bristol's Forwards Festival, organised by the team behind Love Saves the Day.
A relatively new event, the annual festival began in 2022, and has a big focus on information and talks alongside the music. Around 60,000 people are expected at this weekend's event, which will provide a stage for international artists including Doechii, Barry Can't Swim and Ezra Collective, as well as some of the West's best emerging acts.
Where and when is it?
Forwards is taking place at Durdham Downs (The Downs) in Clifton on Saturday and Sunday, the bank holiday weekend.
Who is performing?
One of the biggest names over the weekend is undoubtedly US rapper Doechii, who headlined the West Holts stage at this year's Glastonbury. She will be headlining on Sunday alongside the likes of Jorja Smith, Olivia Dean and The Last Dinner Party.
On Saturday, Scottish DJ and producer Barry Can't Swim and Mercury Prize-winning band Ezra Collective are top of the bill. Amongst others, they are joined by Confidence Man, Orbital and English Teacher.
Some of the West's finest acts will also grace the stage, including Stroud's Katy J Pearson, Bristol's Ishmael Ensemble, joined by The Ritual Orchestra and Waldo's Gift, also from Bristol.
What else is going on?
Alongside the huge music line-up, there is a big emphasis on the festival's information area, with talks on topics including climate change, politics and cultural currency.
This year comedian Munya Chawawa, broadcaster Carol Vorderman and MP Zarah Sultana are among the speakers you will find at the Information Stage.
Can I camp there?
No. Like many other city festivals, Forwards is not a camping one. It is very easy to get there on public transport though and there will be a special shuttle bus running throughout the weekend.
Can I still get tickets?
Tickets for Sunday and those for the whole weekend are sold out, but you can still get your hands on tickets for Saturday.
What else do I need to know?
Forwards is an accessible event, including an induction loop, British Sign Language interpreters and a sensory break-out space, but organisers have warned the ground could get churned up if there is extreme wet weather.
Children are allowed but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Children over four years old will need to purchase either a kids or a teen ticket.
It is a cashless festival, so you will need to be able to pay for onsite food and drink via a card or phone.
Published on 19 August 2025 by Ben Robinson
