FORWARDS Festival 2025 lineup includes Doechii, Barry Can’t Swim, Confidence Man, and others!
FORWARDS Festival 2025 is gearing up to make a triumphant return to Bristol, promising an exhilarating lineup of international music acts that will grace the stage at Clifton Downs on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24. As the festival enters its fourth year, it remains committed to breaking boundaries by combining top-tier performances with stimulating discussions and cultural endeavors.
The festival’s Saturday roster is a melting pot of electronic and jazz influences, headlined by the acclaimed DJ and producer Barry Can’t Swim and the Mercury Prize and BRIT Award-winning Ezra Collective. Joining them will be an eclectic mix of artists, including the iconic dance-pop group Confidence Man, electronic trailblazers Orbital, and post-punk revivalists English Teacher. The lineup is further augmented by performances from Mount Kimbie, Happy Mondays, Katy J Pearson, Ishmael Ensemble and The Rituals Orchestra, and Mermaid Chunky.
Sunday is set to make history at FORWARDS as an all-female lineup takes the spotlight. Grammy-winning artist and rapper Doechii will be making her much-anticipated debut in Bristol, bringing her unique fusion of hip-hop and R&B to the festival. She will be supported by the soulful singer-songwriter Jorja Smith, and indie rock upstarts The Last Dinner Party. Additional acts scheduled to take the stage on Sunday include Olivia Dean, Fabio & Grooverider Orchestra and The Outlook Orchestra, Moonchild Sanelly, The Silhouettes Project, Alemeda, and Snapped Ankles.
Renowned for being one of the UK’s most forward-thinking music events, FORWARDS Festival curates a weekend that is intellectually stimulating alongside its musical thrills. In addition to the stellar performances, the festival’s INFORMATION stage will once again host discussions that feature experts, creatives, and disruptors to provide a platform for social change and critical dialogue.
Tom Paine, Co-founder of Team Love, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s continuous growth, highlighting the diversity and evolution of the event. Jim King, CEO of European Festivals at AEG Presents, echoed the excitement, emphasizing the significance of the festival’s lineup and the discussions hosted on the INFORMATION stage.
FORWARDS Festival 2025 is poised to present its most extensive lineup yet, promising an unforgettable bank holiday weekend filled with music, culture, and conversation. Secure your pre-sale tickets starting at 10:00 GMT on March 5, 2025, with general ticket sales launching on March 6, 2025.
For more information and ticket purchases, visit the official FORWARDS Festival website. Join the festival community on Instagram for updates on the event and lineup.