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Forwards Festival has revealed the first names for its 2026 edition, confirming a diverse lineup set to take over Clifton Downs in Bristol on 29th - 30th August, 2026. The two-day event continues to build its reputation for blending major international artists with influential voices across contemporary music and culture.

Among the first acts announced are Wet Leg, Joy Crookes and Little Simz, alongside a broad selection of artists spanning indie, hip-hop, alternative and electronic sounds. Tems, Amyl & The Sniffers and Jim Legxacy are also confirmed for the weekend, giving the festival an early lineup that reflects its cross-genre programming.

Saturday 29th August will feature Tems, Self Esteem and Wet Leg among the leading names, with additional performances from Joy Crookes, Tricky, Goldie performing live, Paraorchestra Presents Kraftwerk Re:Werk with Charles Hazlewood and Maribou State. Sunday 30th August will then see Little Simz top the bill alongside Amyl & The Sniffers and Dijon, joined by Viagra Boys, Oklou, Princess Nokia, Jean Dawson, Jim Legxacy, Gena featuring Liv.E & Karriem Riggins and Anaiis.

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The weekend will follow a special Forwards Presents event on 28th August featuring Lorde and Djo ahead of the main festival days. Pre-sale access opens at 10am on 17th March for those who sign up, while the general onsale begins at 10am on 18th March. With a strong first lineup revealed, Forwards Festival 2026 is already shaping up to be a standout summer event for Bristol.

Forwards Festival 2026 Reveals First Wave of Artists

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Forwards Festival 2026 confirms Wet Leg, Joy Crookes, Tems and Little Simz for 29th - 30th August, 2026 at Clifton Downs.

Just days out from Forwards Festival 2025, American rapper and rising star Doechii has withdrawn from the event. The artist was originally billed as a headliner on the festival’s Sunday lineup, scheduled to perform on the Downs in Bristol. Her cancellation has also affected other European dates, including All Points East in London and Rock en Seine in Paris.

Festival organisers confirmed the news via Instagram, expressing disappointment over the cancellation. “We are very sad to announce that Doechii will not be performing at her upcoming shows,” they shared. While no official reason was given, the team emphasised their continued support for the artist, noting: “She is an incredible artist and we were as excited as you were to bring her to our hometown of Bristol.”

Despite the setback, Forwards Festival’s Sunday lineup remains strong, with three powerful female headliners—Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party, and Olivia Dean—leading the charge. They are joined by a wide array of acts including Confidence Man, Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, and Orbital, all set to perform across the two-day event on 6th and 7th September, 2025.

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The full lineup also includes Mount Kimbie, Annie Mac, Squid, Pa Salieu, LTJ Bukem, Happy Mondays, Moonchild Sanelly, English Teacher, Nilufer Yanya, Jamz Supernova, Fabio & Grooverider with The Outlook Orchestra, Mermaid Chunky, The Silhouettes Project, and many more. Despite Doechii’s absence, Forwards 2025 continues to deliver a diverse and dynamic programme celebrating boundary-pushing talent from across the globe.

Doechii Cancels Forwards Festival 2025 Performance

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American rapper withdraws from UK and European festival run including All Points East and Rock en Seine.

Forwards Festival has officially unveiled its set times and site map for the 2025 edition, set to take place from 23rd to 24th August at Bristol’s Clifton Downs. With a diverse lineup including Jorja Smith, Barry Can’t Swim, Orbital, Ezra Collective, and Confidence Man, fans can now begin planning their perfect weekend.

The schedule sees headliners and high-energy acts spread evenly across both days, with Orbital and Barry Can’t Swim closing out Saturday, while Jorja Smith and Squid lead Sunday’s proceedings. Rising stars like Olivia Dean, The Last Dinner Party, and Doechii are scheduled for prime afternoon slots, while DJ sets from Annie Mac, LTJ Bukem, and Fabio & Grooverider promise late-night vibes to round out each night.

The 2025 site map shows an easy-to-navigate layout with three main stages, dedicated DJ areas, an expanded food village, and art installations. Clifton Downs’ natural amphitheatre setting once again provides a scenic and spacious backdrop. Organisers have also improved entry points and added more shaded rest areas to enhance comfort across the weekend.

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With set times now available via the official app and festival website, punters are encouraged to download them ahead of the event to avoid clashes and discover new favourites. Forwards Festival continues to champion both forward-thinking programming and a strong social mission, promising another standout edition in 2025.

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