forwards festival

By Tyler Nash

As the countdown to the August Bank Holiday begins, the energy surrounding

FORWARDS 2026 continues to build. Marking five years since the festival first

transformed Clifton Downs into a space where international music meets meaningful

conversation, this summer represents more than just a weekend of performances. It is a

celebration of the festival’s evolution from a bold newcomer to a definitive landmark of

the UK.

The Saturday programme is set to be a definitive moment for the festival, featuring a

powerful all-female co-headline billing. Grammy-winning Tems brings her globally

resonant R&B to Bristol for the first time, joined by the unfiltered, high-energy lyricism of

Self Esteem and the sharp, infectious indie-rock of Wet Leg. This curation moves

beyond the traditional festival format by offering a day defined by bold, singular voices

that have reshaped the modern musical landscape. Adding to the weight of the day, the

festival welcomes electronic duo Maribou State as very special guests.

On Sunday, the focus shifts to artists who have spent years redefining their genres.

Mercury Prize-winner Little Simz and the visceral Australian punk of Amyl & The Sniffers,

both long-time friends of the festival, return to the Downs to take their place as

headliners. They are joined by the introspective, experimental sounds of Dijon, marking

another significant Bristol debut that highlights the festival’s commitment to supporting

diversity across the board.

True to the festival’s DNA, the wider bill remains a melting pot of subcultures. From the

legendary Bristolian trip-hop and jungle roots of Tricky and Goldie (Live) to the

avantgarde Paraorchestra, the weekend is a deliberate celebration of sonic exploration.

This mix of global icons and homegrown pioneers perfectly reflects the "anything goes",

inclusive attitude FORWARDS Bristol is prided in fostering.

"Reaching five years is a major milestone," says Tom Paine, Co-founder of Team Love.

The mission has always been to build a festival that reflects Bristol’s community action

and creativity, so seeing artists like Little Simz return now as headliners feels like the

perfect way to celebrate how far the FORWARDS movement has come. This is a true full

circle moment for the festival and anyone who has followed the journey since its

inception. It is a year you do not want to miss.