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New gig from Forwards team features pop visionary and Stranger Things star
The lineup of a new outdoor gig on the Downs taking place the night before FORWARDS festival includes a clutch of high profile international artists and an actor who has launched a budding music career.
Put together by the FORWARDS team, the eclectic indie-leaning bill is topped by Lorde who is making her Bristol debut following appearances in London and Edinburgh the week before.
The artist, from New Zealand, has only played arena dates in the UK in recent years, dropping into London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow on her world tour last year.
“Announcing Lorde is an incredibly exciting moment for us,” said Tom Paine, co-founder of organisers Team Love. “Building on the spirit of FORWARDS, we’re excited to bring Bristol another world-class musician and experience across the bank holiday weekend.
“Welcoming Lorde to the city feels like the perfect way to begin, she’s an extraordinary artist, and this promises to be a truly special night for Bristol.”
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Also appearing at FORWARDS presents is Djo, the project of actor Joe Keery who became a household name with his role as loveable dimwit Steve Carrington in Stranger Things.
The band’s psychedelic indie-pop has a distinctively retro sound that matches the nostalgic aesthetic of the cult Netflix sci-fi show.
It is Keery’s second stab at a music career after he put his first band on ice to focus on acting. Since forming Djo he has released four albums and his track End of the Beginning went viral in 2024 before reaching the number one spot in January this year.
He headlined a solo world tour last year with his former band Post Animal in the support slot, and has since rejoined the project.
American singer-songwriter and Gracie Abrams-collaborator Audrey Hobart, Australian indie artist Esha Tewari and London’s Rose Gray also play.
Bristol electro-punk artist Grove completes the lineup.
The standalone concert comes ahead of FORWARDS, on Friday August 28. The festival, taking its usual Bank Holiday weekend spot over August 29 and 30, has yet to announce its lineup for 2026.
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Tickets for FORWARDS Presents go on sale on Friday, February 6. Find all information at lordebristol.co.uk
FORWARDS Festival has been picked for Bristol Legends shortlist in the music event category. Join us to celebrate them at our Bristol Legends event.
Main image: Luca Rosewell
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