Forwards Festival Announces Its First Wave of Acts
Forwards Festival 2025: Everything We Know So Far
📍 Bristol, 23rd-24th August 2025
Bristol’s beloved Forwards Festival is bringing an electrifying lineup to Clifton Downs this August. The first wave of headliners has recently been announced, featuring an exciting mix of jazz, rap, electronic and drum & bass. Burst will guide you through tickets, the best acts, and all things Forwards Festival.
Who’s playing?
Saturday kicks off with a bang, featuring the electrifying Ezra Collective, fresh from their Brit Award win for Group of the Year. Genre-blending electronic producer Barry Can’t Swim also takes the stage, adding to the day’s energy. On Sunday, the spotlight turns to Grammy-winning Doechii and the soul queen Jorja Smith, alongside rising indie sensations The Last Dinner Party and the soothing sounds of Olivia Dean.
Tickets & Pricing
With the first tier selling out in minutes, Forwards remains one of the hottest UK festivals of the summer. Tickets are still available:
Weekend Ticket (6 for 5 deal): £107.46 per person
Individual Day Tickets: £75-£80
Who to watch?
Forwards strikes a perfect balance between well-known names and rising stars, offering a diverse lineup that explores various genres and showcases both established icons and fresh talent. With an enriching mix of sounds across the two-day festival, there’s something for everyone.
Ezra Collective
The London-based jazz quintet seamlessly blends afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop and jazz, creating a smooth groove that makes it impossible to stand still. Their 2024 single God Gave Me Feet for Dancing even earned a spot on Barack Obama’s favourite songs of the year! From this set, you can expect infectious energy, uplifting rhythms, and a communal spirit that turns the performance into a joyous, dance-fuelled experience.
Barry Can’t Swim
For a heavier, beat-driven experience, Barry Can’t Swim delivers an electrifying fusion of electronic, house and Afrobeat influences guaranteed to get festivalgoers moving. Known for his euphoric, dance-heavy vibe, he creates the perfect vibe for a summer day in Bristol.
The Silhouettes Project
A standout act bringing community-driven creativity to the stage, this Hackney-based collective is dedicated to supporting independent artists and shielding them from the more exploitative sides of the music industry. The artists are known for fusing hip-hop, jazz and soul and their sets radiate an authentic, collaborative musical energy.
Doechii
Fresh from winning Best Rap Album at the 2025 Grammys, Doechii is a pioneering force in contemporary rap. Her bold fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and pop is redefining the genre and solidifying herself as one of the most influential voices of the moment. Expect an electrifying stage presence and high-energy performance.
Fabio & Grooverider with The Outlook Orchestra
It wouldn’t be a Bristol festival without drum & bass, and Forwards delivers in style. Legendary duo Fabio & Grooverider are teaming up with The Outlook Orchestra to reimagine their iconic D&B anthems, blending their high-energy beats with a powerful live symphonic twist. This act pays homage to the roots of D&B while elevating it to a whole new level.
More to Come
With this first wave of artists setting the bar high, anticipation is building for further lineup announcements. One thing’s for sure; Forwards Festival 2025 is shaping up to be unmissable.
🎟️ Grab your tickets now via the official Forwards Festival website.
By Helena Toole