Set against the broad green sweep of Clifton Durdham Downs, Forwards Festival 2025 made its return over the August bank holiday weekend with a confident fourth edition that proved why it deserves far more recognition than it gets. Often described as one of the UK’s most underrated festivals, Forwards carved out its own lane this year with a carefully curated mix of genre-bending performances, thought-provoking political discourse, and grassroots community energy.
Established by Team Love (the force behind Love Saves the Day), the festival has swiftly become one of the UK’s most underrated weekend festivals – rooted in Bristol’s musical legacy, while actively shaping its cultural future.
What could have easily felt chaotic instead came together seamlessly: a clash-free schedule, an eclectic lineup that flowed naturally from electronic legends to soulful voices, music that’s loud enough to want to boogie and a bold refusal to shy away from politics or activism. The result was a weekend that felt both celebratory and purposeful – progressive in its outlook, protective of its artists and audiences, and refreshingly different from the corporate capitalist formulaic blueprint we’ve seen dominating London’s festival circuit.
Confidence Man
Confidence Man stormed the stage with a wild, clubby mix of disco, cheeky dance-pop, and glittery energy – Janet Planet and Sugar Bones danced like marionettes on caffeine, and the whole set was all about big moves and cheeky fun.
Listen to Holiday by Confidence Man.
Mount Kimbie
Mount Kimbie dialed things down with a dreamy, drifting electronic set full of lush soundscapes and airy vocals. At times the vibe shifted from blissed-out ambience to edgy, punkish bursts with King Krule at its front – a perfect backdrop for the festival’s golden hour.
Listen to Fishbrain by Mount Kimbie.
Ezra Collective
Ezra Collective showcased their Mercury Prize-winning fusion of jazz, Afrobeat, and hip-hop and without a doubt stole the night; London jazz-funk turned into a wild dancehall, brass blasting over the packed Downs. A lot of steps were taken.
Listen to God Gave Me Feet For Dancing by Ezra Collective.
Barry Can’t Swim
Barry Can’t Swim headlined day one with a set that felt like a celebration. His fusion of soulful house, jazzy elements, and live strings brought chills and cheers – at one point, everyone was on someone else’s shoulders swaying and singing as strobe lights filled the sky. “Sunsleeper” lit up the entire Downs and it was impossible not to smile.
Listen to Sunsleeper by Barry Can’t Swim.
Pa Salieu
Pa Salieu brought powerful energy with his boundary-pushing rap, blending stories of resilience with beats that drew from grime, Afro-fusion, and dancehall, making for a compelling, crowd-moving set.
Listen to Frontline Remix by Pa Salieu ft Yussef Dayes.
Moonchild Sanelly
Moonchild Sanelly wowed the festival with her infectious fusion of rap, afrobeat, and electronic styles. Her vibrant persona (and hair!) made her set one of the weekend’s standouts.
Listen to Big Man by Self Esteem and Moonchild Sanelly.
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean radiated star power with smooth and soulful pop vocals. No longer a popstar on the rise and playing to thousands – her set proved nothing less than the fact that she is one of the best of the best the UK has right now.
Listen to Nice To Each Other by Olivia Dean.
Nia Archives
Nia Archives commanded the West Stage with a high-octane drum ‘n’ bass set, skilfully combining jungle rhythms. She lived up to her last-minute headline billing with energetic DJing and vocals – and did not disappoint.
Listen to Baianá by Nia Archives.
The Last Dinner Party
The Last Dinner Party served up drama and baroque rock, sounding somewhere between Patti Smith and a classic art-ballad. They didn’t shy away from politics either, loudly supporting Palestine and rounding out the East Stage with “Nothing Matters.”
Listen to Nothing Matters by The Last Dinner Party.
Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith closed the festival as a true pop star, her powerful and emotive vocals weaving through soulful R&B. Her serious “Blue Lights” and touching “Lost & Found” made the finale feel more epic than just a greatest hits set.
Listen to With You by Jorja Smith.
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Words & Photography: Vee Pandey