FORWARDS confirms full 2025 line-up with Pa Salieu, Squid, Nilüfer Yanya, LTJ Bukem and Jamz Supernova

Bristol’s FORWARDS Festival has announced the final additions to its 2025 music line-up, with a fresh batch of names set to join an already stacked weekend across 23rd and 24th August.

Saturday’s main stage now includes genre-defying Londoner Nilüfer Yanya, whose distinctive blend of indie rock, soul and off-kilter electronics has earned her wide acclaim. She’ll be joined by Berlin-based artist Anna Erhard. On Sunday, Pa Salieu and Squid make their festival debuts, adding some weight to a line-up that already includes Doechii, Jorja Smith, and The Last Dinner Party.

This year also marks the arrival of a brand-new dance tent, The Arches. Alongside previously announced headliner Annie Mac, Saturday brings a set from BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Jamz Supernova, as well as Helena Star, Feel the Real, and SpicyIvy.

Sunday dives into drum and bass and trip hop territory with pioneering producer LTJ Bukem, rising selector Shy One, and a long-awaited return from Bristol legends Smith & Mighty Soundsystem, who will be joined by special guests for their first live performance in years. Local name Miss Mash also features.

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Late-night programming comes via the INFORMATION stage, with organisers Team Love again spotlighting homegrown talent and artists emerging through the city’s Next Level development scheme. Saturday includes sets from soulful newcomers Ava Zarate and Laura Dia, as well as performances from Mould, Alamay and Omar Cassius. Sunday’s line-up features Waldo’s Gift, Dizraeli & Joy Machine, Guy, and Red.

Other acts playing the weekend include Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Confidence Man, Orbital, Mount Kimbie, English Teacher, and Happy Mondays.

FORWARDS returns to Clifton Downs for its fourth edition on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2025. Tickets are on sale now at www.forwardsbristol.co.uk.

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