Forwards is Bristol's major outdoor music festival, held on the Downs, a large area of open grassland in the Clifton area of the city. Launched in 2022 as the successor to the long-running Forwards (formerly Simple Things/Tokyo World lineage), it programmes headline-level acts in a city that has one of the UK's most vibrant independent music scenes. The festival typically runs as a weekend event in September, offering a late-summer option when most festivals have wrapped up for the year.
The venue: Bristol Downs
The Downs is a 400-acre area of grassland in north-west Bristol, adjacent to Clifton and the Avon Gorge. It is one of the city's most treasured open spaces, and its use as a festival venue is not without local debate. The site offers sweeping views across the city and, on clear days, towards Wales. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is visible from parts of the festival site, which gives the event a distinctly Bristolian character.
The Downs is well-drained grassland, which means conditions underfoot are generally better than at many rural festival sites. The urban location means that the infrastructure (transport, food, accommodation) of a major city is immediately accessible, which is a significant practical advantage.
Music
Forwards books headliners at the top of the game. Past and announced performers have included Massive Attack (hometown heroes), The Chemical Brothers, Roisin Murphy, Jungle, and other acts that span electronic, indie, hip hop, and pop. The programming reflects Bristol's musical identity, which has always been eclectic and slightly left-field compared to the mainstream.
Multiple stages host different genres and styles. The main stage features the headliners, while smaller stages showcase DJs, live electronic acts, and emerging Bristol-based artists. The late-night programme takes advantage of Bristol's club culture, with programming that runs into the evening hours.
Bristol's music heritage
Bristol's contribution to British music is extraordinary for a city its size. Trip-hop (Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky), drum and bass (Roni Size, DJ Krust), post-punk (Idles), and a thriving current scene spanning electronic, hip hop, and indie all call the city home. Forwards taps into this heritage, and seeing artists perform in their home city adds an extra dimension to the experience.
Food, drink, and culture
Bristol's food scene is one of the best in the UK, and the festival benefits from access to the city's independent food traders. Expect high-quality street food from established Bristol vendors alongside the usual festival options. The bar programme typically features local breweries and cider producers, reflecting the south-west's strong drinks culture.
The festival also programmes art installations, talks, and cultural activities that draw on Bristol's reputation as a creative city. The street art heritage, the independent spirit, and the politically engaged culture all find expression in the festival's non-musical programming.
Practical information
Forwards is a non-camping festival, which makes it different from most events in this guide. Attendees either live in Bristol or stay in city accommodation. This has advantages: you sleep in a proper bed, eat at restaurants if you choose, and have the full resources of a city at your disposal. The downside is that you miss the communal camping experience that defines traditional festivals.
Bristol has abundant accommodation options, from budget hostels to boutique hotels. Book early, as the festival weekend drives up demand. Clifton and the city centre are the most convenient areas to stay. For tips on event accommodation, see our event planning guide.
Getting there
The Downs is accessible by bus from Bristol city centre and Temple Meads station. Dedicated shuttle buses usually run during the festival. Walking from Clifton Village takes about 15 minutes. Cycling is another option, with bike parking at the site. Driving is not recommended as parking near the Downs is extremely limited on event days.
Bristol Temple Meads has direct trains from London Paddington (about 90 minutes), Birmingham (about 75 minutes), Cardiff (about 50 minutes), and Exeter (about 60 minutes). The city is also accessible via the M4 and M5 motorways.
Tickets
Tickets are typically priced in the £60 to £80 range for a single day, with weekend tickets available at a discount. Given the calibre of the headliners, this represents reasonable value, particularly compared to London equivalents. Tickets go on sale when the lineup is announced and can sell out for the strongest headliners. Check our ticketing guide for buying advice.
Why Forwards matters
Bristol deserves a major outdoor music event, and Forwards delivers one that reflects the city's character. It is not trying to be Glastonbury or Reading. It is a distinctly urban festival that draws on Bristol's extraordinary musical heritage and its thriving current scene. For Bristol residents, it is a celebration of their city. For visitors, it is an introduction to one of the UK's most culturally rich places. Either way, it is a festival worth making time for.
