Forwards Festival announces partnership with Channel 4 for its dedicated talk space - The Information

FORWARDS is proud to announce its stage and content partnership with Channel 4 for The Information, its dedicated Talks Space. Channel 4 exists to create change through entertainment and a perfect partner for FORWARDS. 

THE INFORMATION is a pivotal platform, tackling pressing cultural issues head on, while offering audiences tangible ways to engage and make a difference. The 2024 programme announced today explores gender roles, race and its role in the climate crisis, media and storytelling, youth exploitation, the power of ethical brands and inequality on the High Street and practical ways to boycott. 

Today, FORWARDS announces the leading UK trailblazers, writers, actors and social innovators headlining talks as musician Brian Eno in conversation with Mikaela Loach on race in the climate crisis, how to craft influence through storytelling hosted by Channel 4 with Youtuber Mariam Musa, presenter Tolly T and Creative Equity Coordinator at Channel 4 Stacey Olika, British actor and rapper Bashy on youth exploitation and the road to reform, As well as a talk on gender roles with drag artist and TV personality Ginny Lemon, artist and writer Travis Alabanza, drag queen Victoria Stone  hosted by Bristol poet and drag artist Fluxx Wyldly. 

The INFORMATION, in partnership with Channel 4, hosts ten talks across the weekend, with other speakers including boycotting campaigners Venetia La Manna and Grace Blakely, the political campaign group Led by Donkeys, Founder of Climate in Colour Joycelyn Longdon, rapper and zoologist Louis VI, wildlife TV presenter and co-founder of Flock Together Nadeem Perera, Ian-Solomon Kawall from May Garden Projects. 

As part of its stage and content partnership for The INFORMATION, Channel 4 will lead a curated talk and create exclusive audio and video content at FORWARDS. 

More than a music festival, FORWARDS aims to harness the legacy and power of live events for positive change, stirring crowd consciousness in one of Britain’s most progressive and socially-minded cities, Bristol. FORWARDS’ music programme is headlined this year by Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem, Four Tet, Jessie Ware and Underworld.

The full list of talks unveiled today to for the THE INFORMATION programme at FORWARDS , include: