Denial is a river, but Bristol knows what’s real: Doechii among first wave of headliners for FORWARDS Festival 2025

Forwards Festival, taking place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August 2025 on Clifton Downs, announces its 2025 headliners and first music names for its fourth year, revealing electronic DJ and producer Barry Can’t Swim and British jazz group Ezra Collective as co-headliners for Saturday.

All-female co-headliners have been announced to top the bill for Sunday, with 2025 Grammy winner and rapper Doechii making her Bristol debut at Forwards, soulful singer-songwriter Jorja Smith, and indie rock band The Last Dinner Party.

For the first time, Forwards will take over the August bank holiday weekend, bringing the biggest names in international music to Bristol Downs for an electrifying two days where genres collide and creative talent takes center stage. Acts confirmed for this year’s lineup on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August include:

Saturday
Barry Can’t Swim | Ezra Collective | Confidence Man | Orbital | Mount Kimbie | English Teacher | Happy Mondays | Katy J Pearson | Ishmael Ensemble and The Rituals Orchestra | Mermaid Chunky

Sunday
Doechii | Jorja Smith | The Last Dinner Party | Olivia Dean | Fabio & Grooverider Orchestra and The Outlook Orchestra | Moonchild Sanelly | The Silhouettes Project | Alemeda | Snapped Ankles

Forwards is celebrated as one of the UK's most progressive festivals, closing out the summer in style in Bristol over the August bank holiday weekend. A future-thinking festival, Forwards places international music acts side by side with major social initiatives and timely debate on the Information Stage.

Tom Paine, co-founder of Team Love, said:
“Forwards is back for its fourth year, and we couldn’t be prouder. Each year it grows, evolves, and delivers even more for the city of Bristol and beyond. From an international and genre-spanning music lineup to future-thinking talks, initiatives, and a growing-in-popularity kids area, Forwards is the perfect day out for everyone.”

Jim King, CEO of European Festivals at AEG Presents, added:
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Forwards back to the Bristol Downs for its fourth year, offering a packed lineup of international music acts with headliners Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Doechii, Jorja Smith, and The Last Dinner Party. The festival will also host timely debate and conversation on the Information Stage, providing an important platform for discussion and featuring a host of experts, disruptors, creatives, writers, and thinkers.”

Barry Can’t Swim, renowned electronic producer and DJ, will electrify the stage at Forwards on Saturday 24th August with his jazz-infused beats and pulsating house rhythms. Known for his vibrant performances and critically acclaimed releases, Barry Can’t Swim has become a standout name in the global electronic music scene, delivering unforgettable sets.

Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective will return to Forwards after their performance at the festival in 2023. The London-based jazz stars, known for merging Afrobeat, jazz, and hip-hop, always deliver an unexpected, dynamic, and captivating session on the Downs.

Following her 2025 Grammy award and standout Super Bowl and Grammy performances, the Swamp Princess, Doechii, will be performing her immensely personal album, hailed by critics as one of the year’s best, on Sunday 25th August. Known for her unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, her bold stage presence and style have cemented her status as a legendary rapper.

Jorja Smith brings her soulful voice and globally acclaimed hits to Forwards. With emotionally resonant lyrics, Smith epitomizes the festival’s commitment to bold and boundary-pushing performances. Her artistry, marked by vulnerability and empowerment, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Last Dinner Party, one of the most exciting breakout bands of 2024 and winners of ‘The Rising Star’ award at last year's BRIT Awards, will unleash their opulent, cinematic indie rock onto the Forwards stage. This dynamic blend of music and theatrical stage presence promises a truly mesmerising show.

Forwards Festival 2025 promises to bring an iconic end to the British summer and an unforgettable bank holiday weekend of music, cultural connection, and discussion in the heart of Bristol.