Closing out summer season on August 23–24 at Clifton Downs, Bristol, FORWARDS Competition has unveiled its ultimate part of lineup additions, spotlighting an eclectic mixture of boundary-pushing expertise throughout three distinctive phases.
The Saturday principal stage unveils the inimitable Nilüfer Yanya, whose genre-fluid fusion of indie rock, jazz, psychedelia and electronics has resonated deeply with followers, alongside Berlin‐primarily based up‑and‑comer Anna Erhard. Sunday’s principal stage continues the momentum, introducing debut performances by the kinetic rapper Pa Salieu and adventurous publish‑punk outfit Squid, firmly signalling FORWARDS’ dedication to contemporary, cutting-edge voices.
This 12 months’s marquee addition is The Arches, a model‑new dance tent primed for immersive sonic voyages. Saturday nights warmth up with transformative units from new addition Jamz Supernova, joined by rising selectors Helena Star, Really feel The Actual, and SpicyIvy. On Sunday, Bristol’s personal LTJ Bukem unleashes his signature jungle rhythms, whereas Shy One, REA, and Miss Mash every deliver their very own stamps of grime, hip‑hop, and home. A very particular second arrives with the return of Smith & Mighty Soundsystem, this journey‑hop collective unveils contemporary materials and particular company for what guarantees to be a triumphant homecoming.
When night time falls, the highlight shifts to The INFORMATION Stage, the place FORWARDS and Bristol’s Staff Love fold out a curated late‑night time expertise. Saturday options sophisti‑pop tones from Ava Zarate, plus clean R&B glimpses from fellow Subsequent Stage graduate Laura Dia, to not point out style‑benders Mould and Alamay & Omar Cassius. Sunday’s lineup treads an adventurous path with experimental outfit Waldo’s Present, spoken‑phrase ensemble Dizraeli & Pleasure Machine, and the enigmatic Man and Purple, every including their private flavours to this intimate musical enclave.
The ultimate lineup cements FORWARDS as a melting pot of Bristolian roots, UK underground power, and world sensibility. Earlier introduced headliners like Orbital, Ezra Collective, Barry Can’t Swim, Confidence Man, Jorja Smith, The Final Dinner Social gathering, and extra weave right into a weekend bursting with cross‑style discovery. Whether or not you’re chasing heavy basslines, soulful reverie, or left‑subject reside resonance, FORWARDS 2025 stands able to ship the final thrilling pulse of summer season.
Tickets at the moment are obtainable by way of forwardsbristol.co.uk.