News / Forwards 2025
FORWARDS release full lineup
FORWARDS festival, returning to the Downs this August bank holiday, has released its full lineup.
Emerging alt-pop artist Nilufer Yanya, experimental rock outfit Squid and Berlin’s Anna Erhard join a bill which is topped by Barry Can’t Swim, Doechii, English Teacher, Happy Mondays and Orbital.
Annie Mac, Jamz Supernova and LTJ Bukem join the Smith and Mighty Soundsystem in christening the festival’s new dance tent, the Arches.
Confidence Man, Olivia Dean, Jorja Smith, the Last Dinner Party, Ishmael Ensemble and Katy J Pearson are also on the lineup this year, but FORWARDS is about more than the music – photo: Khali Ackford
And the Information, known for hosting forward-thinking discussions and talks during the day, presents a night-time lineup featuring local talent that includes janky rock trio Mould, self-proclaimed ‘Bristol bard’ Dizraeli and experimental instrumentalists Waldo’s Gift.
It will also host graduates of the Next Level programme, an emerging artist development initiative run by Big Team and Bristol Beacon.
The programme shares the ethos of the festival that, according to producers Team Love, “looks to challenge what metropolitan festivals can be today and how they can do good, from the inside out.
“The two-day festival aims to harness the power of live events to bring people together for incredible music moments and lasting positive change.”
The Information presents a discussion programme during the day and hosts intimate gigs at night, including plenty of local talent – photo: Eljay Briss
The festival takes place August 23-24. Find all details at forwardsbristol.co.uk
Main image: Khali Ackford
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