News / Forwards 2026
Forwards festival lineup spotlights female talent
Announcing the first wave of its lineup for 2026, FORWARDS once again demonstrates its commitment to cutting edge sounds and a future facing outlook.
The festival on the Downs, which returns for its fifth edition over August 29-30, has proved itself a cut above the rest by placing female artists in five of the six headline spots.
Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Tems co-headlines on Saturday with the UK’s Self Esteem and Wet Leg, while Sunday sees award-winning rapper Little Simz and Australian punk powerhouse Amyl & the Sniffers take the top spots.
They are joined by a third co-headliner, American songwriter and producer Dijon.
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The lineup choices are remarkable given the lacking representation for female artists across festival stages, with gender equity regressing in 2026 and events still overwhelmingly favouring male artists for the headline slots.
It is a symbolic move for a festival that prides itself on a progressive ethos, with the rest of the weekend’s lineup presenting a diverse and dynamic mix of international artists alongside local grassroots talent and panel discussions in the Information space.
Amy Taylor, who fronts Amyl & the Sniffers, never fails to put on a wild live show – photo: @chels.savage
Bristol legend Tricky and jungle pioneer Goldie both appear on Saturday, which also features a special performance by Paraorchestra titled Kraftwerk RE:WERK.
The Bristol ensemble are known for their innovative approach to classical performance, often combining music with movement, contemporary dance and costume to breathtaking effect.
Sunday’s mainstage features post punk entertainers Viagra Boys and rapper Princess Nokia, fresh from the release of her critically acclaimed album GIRLS at the end of last year.
The local, unsigned music and talks strands of FORWARDS have yet to be announced – photo: Giulia Spadafora
“Reaching five years of FORWARDS feels like a major milestone,” said Tom Paine, co-founder of organisers Team Love.
“From the beginning, our aim has been to build a festival that reflects Bristol’s community action, creativity and diversity, whilst bringing global music artists to the city each summer.
“Our 2026 lineup feels like the perfect way to celebrate this journey together, with incredible artists we are proud to see return to FORWARDS now as headliners, alongside first-time headliners, making it our most broad and diverse music offering to date with both days offering something for everyone.”
Main image: @khaliphotography
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