Bristol’s beloved FORWARDS Competition is ready to triumphantly return for 2025, bringing an electrifying lineup of worldwide music acts to Clifton Downs on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. Now in its fourth 12 months, the competition continues to push boundaries, mixing world-class performances with thought-provoking discussions and cultural initiatives.
The competition’s Saturday lineup will see a fusion of digital and jazz influences, with famend DJ and producer Barry Can’t Swim and the Mercury Prize, BRIT-winning Ezra Collective co-headlining. They are going to be joined by various acts, together with dance-pop legends Confidence Man, digital pioneers Orbital, and post-punk revivalists English Instructor. Additionally gracing the stage might be Mount Kimbie, Joyful Mondays, Katy J Pearson, Ishmael Ensemble and The Rituals Orchestra, and Mermaid Chunky.
Sunday’s headliners mark a historic second for FORWARDS, as an all-female lineup takes centre stage. 2025 GRAMMY winner and rapper Doechii will make her extremely anticipated Bristol debut, bringing her signature mix of hip-hop and R&B to the competition. She might be joined by soulful singer-songwriter Jorja Smith and the rising indie rock band The Final Dinner Get together. Different acts scheduled for Sunday embody Olivia Dean, Fabio & Grooverider Orchestra and The Outlook Orchestra, Moonchild Sanelly, The Silhouettes Undertaking, Alemeda, and Snapped Ankles.
FORWARDS Competition has earned a fame as one of many UK’s most progressive music occasions, curating a weekend that’s as intellectually partaking as it’s musically thrilling. Past the star-studded performances, the competition’s INFORMATION stage will as soon as once more host discussions that includes consultants, creatives, and disruptors, providing a platform for social change and important debate.
Tom Paine, Co-founder of Staff Love, expressed his pleasure for the competition’s continued progress: “FORWARDS is again for its fourth 12 months, and we couldn’t be prouder. Every year it grows, evolves, and delivers much more for town of Bristol and past. From a world and genre-spanning music lineup to future-thinking talks, initiatives, and a growing-in-popularity youngsters space, FORWARDS is the proper time out for everybody.”
Jim King, CEO of European Festivals at AEG Presents, echoed the passion: “We’re thrilled to be bringing FORWARDS again to the Bristol Downs for its fourth 12 months. With headliners Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Doechii, Jorja Smith, and The Final Dinner Get together, the competition provides a packed lineup of worldwide music acts. The INFORMATION stage may also present an essential platform for dialogue, that includes a number of consultants, creatives, and thinkers.”
FORWARDS Competition 2025 guarantees to ask its largest line up of acts but and ship an unforgettable financial institution vacation weekend of music, tradition, and dialog, solidifying its place as a must-attend occasion for music lovers and alter makers alike.
Pre-sale tickets go reside at 10:00 GMT on 5 March 2025, with basic sale starting at 10:00 GMT on 6 March 2025.
For extra particulars and ticket purchases, go to www.forwardsbristol.co.uk
