Doechii, Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party lead line-up for Bristols’ FORWARDS festival 2025

Doechii, Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party and more have been announced as performers for Bristol’s FORWARDS festival 2025.

• READ MORE: Doechii – ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’ review: a candid sonic diary of struggle and resilience

The two-day event is due to take place at Clifton Downs in Bristol on Saturday August 23 and Sunday August 24.

Now, the first wave of acts and headliners have been announced, with Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Confidence Man, Orbital, Mount Kimbie, English Teacher, Happy Mondays, Katy J Pearson, Ishmael Ensemble and the Rituals Orchestra and Mermaid Chunky all set to take to the stage on the first day.

The following day will see performances from Doechii, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party, Olivia Dean, Fabio & Grooverider Orchestra and the Outlook Orchestra, Moonchild Sannelly, The Silhouettes Project, Almeda and Snapped Ankles.

Described in a press release as a “future-thinking festival”, FORWARDS also features “major social initiatives” and “timely debate” alongside music acts from across the world.

Pre-sale will begin at 10am GMT on Wednesday (March 5), followed by general sale on Thursday (March 6) at 10am. You can find all ticket details here.

Tom Paine, Co-founder of Team Love said: “FORWARDS is back for its fourth year, and we couldn’t be prouder. Each year it grows, evolves and delivers even more for the city of Bristol and beyond. From an international and genre-spanning music lineup to future thinking talks, initiatives and with a growing-in-popularity kids area, FORWARDS is the perfect day out for everyone.”

Meanwhile, Jim King, CEO, European Festivals, AEG Presents added: “We’re thrilled to be bringing FORWARDS back to the Bristol Downs for its fourth year. Offering a packed lineup of international music acts with headliners Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Doechii, Jorja Smith and The Last Dinner Party. The festival will also see timely debate and conversation on the INFORMATION, providing an important platform for discussion and will be featuring a host of experts, disruptors, creatives, writers and thinkers.”

Last year’s edition included performances from LCD Soundsystem, Loyle Carner, Romy, Greentea Peng, Yussef Dayes and more.

The post Doechii, Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party lead line-up for Bristols’ FORWARDS festival 2025 appeared first on NME.