Summer 2025 is proving once again that London is one of the world’s great festival capitals. From Sabrina Carpenter’s sold-out double bill at BST Hyde Park to Peggy Gou taking over Brockwell Park at Field Day, the city is buzzing with live music. Add in the first ever SXSW London in Shoreditch this June and the return of Pitchfork Festival London in November, and it’s safe to say that anyone in the capital has their pick of world-class line-ups without leaving the city.
But sometimes it’s worth looking beyond the capital. And this bank holiday weekend, just under two hours from London by train, Bristol is throwing one of the UK’s most underrated festivals: Forwards Festival.
Launched in 2022 by the team behind Love Saves the Day, Forwards has quickly carved out its own space in the UK calendar. It’s not just a music festival – though the bill is stacked – but also a space for activism. Alongside the main stages, an Information Stage hosts conversations on politics, climate change and culture, with speakers this year including Munya Chawawa, Carol Vorderman and MP Zarah Sultana.
It’s a combination that feels distinctly Bristol: rooted in music, but politically awake, socially conscious, and unafraid to push boundaries.
Where and when does Forwards Festival take place?
Forwards takes place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August at Durdham Downs in Clifton. This year marks the first time the event falls over the August bank holiday weekend.
Who’s performing at Forwards Festival?
While US rapper Doechii, who recently headlined the West Holts stage at Glastonbury, has unfortunately withdrawn from the line-up, the bill remains stacked with talent.
Sunday features performances from Jorja Smith, Olivia Dean and The Last Dinner Party.
Saturday is led by Scottish DJ-producer Barry Can’t Swim and Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, alongside Confidence Man, Orbital and English Teacher.
Local talent will also shine, with performances from Stroud’s Katy J Pearson and Bristol acts Ishmael Ensemble with The Ritual Orchestra and Waldo’s Gift.
Beyond the music
Forwards isn’t just about the beats. The Information Stage will host talks on climate change, politics and cultural change. This year’s speakers include comedian Munya Chawawa, broadcaster Carol Vorderman, and MP Zarah Sultana.
Tickets
Sunday and weekend passes are sold out, but tickets for Saturday are still available. You can find more information here.
Getting to Forwards Festival from London
One of the perks of Forwards Festival is how easy it is to reach from the capital.
🚆 By train
Direct trains from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads take around 1 hour 45 minutes.
From Temple Meads, it’s a short bus, taxi, or cycle ride (about 15–20 minutes) to Durdham Downs, where the festival takes place.
🚌 By coach
National Express and Megabus both run regular services from London Victoria Coach Station to Bristol Bus & Coach Station, with journey times of 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
From there, local buses or taxis will take you up to the Downs.
🚗 By car
Driving from London to Bristol typically takes around 2.5 hours via the M4 (traffic depending).
Parking near the Downs is limited, so festival organisers recommend public transport where possible.
🚍 Festival shuttle
Forwards also runs a dedicated shuttle bus across Bristol throughout the weekend, making it easy to get to and from the site once you arrive in the city.
More information
There’s no camping at Forwards, but it’s well connected by public transport. A special shuttle bus will run throughout the weekend. The festival includes facilities such as an induction loop, British Sign Language interpreters and a sensory break-out space. Organisers warn that heavy rain could churn up the ground. Young festivalgoers are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Children over four will require a child or teen ticket.
