Bristol’s FORWARDS Festival has unveiled the first wave of artists for its 2025 edition, set to take over Clifton Downs on August 23-24. Expanding to the August bank holiday weekend for the first time, the festival promises a genre-blending lineup of global talent.

This year’s headliners include electronic producer Barry Can’t Swim and Mercury Prize-winning jazz collective Ezra Collective, who will lead the charge on Saturday. Sunday’s all-female headliner bill will see Grammy-winning rapper Doechii make her Bristol debut, alongside Jorja Smith and rising indie-rock band The Last Dinner Party.

Beyond the headliners, the first wave of artists brings a mix of electronic, jazz, R&B, and alternative sounds, with performances from Confidence Man, Orbital, Mount Kimbie, Olivia Dean, English Teacher, and Happy Mondays. Also joining the bill are Fabio & Grooverider with The Outlook Orchestra, Katy J Pearson, Ishmael Ensemble & The Rituals Orchestra, Mermaid Chunky, Snapped Ankles, Moonchild Sanelly, and The Silhouettes Project.

Presale tickets go live on Wednesday at 10 AM for those who sign up, with general sales following on Thursday at 10 AM. Fans can also enter a giveaway for a chance to win four weekend tickets by tagging friends on social media.