August 10, 2022 |
Bristol has long been home to a wealth of counter-cultural movements which have reverberated across the UK. From the city’s bustling sound system culture in the eighties, through to the birth of trip-hop and the thriving clubbing scene that’s still alive and kicking today, Bristol remains an epicentre of musical and cultural innovation.
That’s what makes the city’s newest festival all that more exciting. Heading to Clifton Downs the first weekend in September, Forwards sets out to “challenge what metropolitan festivals can be today, and how good they can do good, from the inside out.”
Launched by TeamLove and AEG Presents, the two-dayer comes with a stacked line-up including Jamie xx, Little Simz, Shygirl, Róisín Murphy and The Chemical Brothers, who will bring their lauded, psychedelic live-show to the city for a one-off performance.
Away from the music, Forwards has also set up The Information: a space dedicated to current affairs and cultural issues. Set to be centred around activism and debate, a curated programme will include a conversation between Travis Alabanza and Shon Faye on modern romance and an interview with former footballer John Barnes MBE.
Also due to take place are a series of different panel discussions by Bristolian grassroots, including topics such as modernising drug support, solving Bristol’s housing problem and celebrating Black excellence. Forwards is ushering in a new dawn for the British festival season.
Forwards festival takes place September 3-4, 2022. Find the full programme and tickets here.
