Forwards Festival returned to Bristol’s iconic Clifton Downs for its third year, bringing together an eclectic mix of music, community, and activism. This year’s day one lineup featured headliners like Loyle Carner, Four Tet, LCD Soundsystem, Jessie Ware, and Underworld, alongside a host of emerging and established artists from both the local and international scenes. The festival not only celebrated Bristol’s rich musical heritage but also fostered important conversations on social issues.
The day started off with cloudy skies and a gentle breeze. As the day progressed, the wind picked up, and a few specks of rain appeared. However, nothing could deter the music lovers on a day like this. Rain or wind, people were ready to adapt and overcome. Fortunately, the weather stabilized and remained mild, with winds picking up at random intervals. Nothing halted the music, and everyone kept grooving. Although this kind of weather isn’t ideal for a music festival—the Downs truly shine on a sunny day—attendees persevered. The winds did pick up, with average speeds of 20 mph and gusts up to 40 mph! The smoke machines on stage struggled to keep up as the smoke was whisked away towards the suspension bridge.
Forwards Festival is well-known in the Bristol music scene. It features two main stages, the West stage and the East stage, where artists play back-to-back with some minor crossover. There’s also the Information stage, which hosts talks on a plethora of contemporary issues and cultural topics, followed by music in the evening. This aligns with the social stalls focused on climate and wellbeing, which were all housed in buses. These stalls included Climate Live, The Pony Farm, and Hell, each offering their own message and interactive experience.
Moving on to the rest of the festival, the sides were adorned with plenty of veggie, vegan, and carnivorous food vendors, wellbeing and medical tents, merchandise stalls, classic festival long drops, and even mini golf! I was truly in awe of the vast array of food options, featuring common UK festival vendors and Bristol legends (shout out to Biblos!). There were too many to count! With bars, toilets, and water points on either side of the festival, there was plenty of room to get around and get what you needed. A few other areas of interest included Johnnie Walker’s two-floor stand with a bar at the bottom and a silent disco up top, which definitely looked like a lot of fun. Jubel beer had their 4×4 with a DJ deck built into the side, allowing for a day rave-esque event during downtime on the East stage.
Transport to the festival was truly impressive. The Downs are not the easiest place to get to in Bristol, as they are on the outskirts of the city center and rather high up. Tier, the current scooter rental company in Bristol, set up a temporary large parking zone outside the festival, making it easy to scooter there and park. However, these scooters were gone by the time the festival finished at 11 pm, making the journey home slightly more difficult. Multiple buses were running a shuttle route that took festival-goers to and from the city center. Drop-off points for friends, family, and taxis were also dotted around. It was great to see so many convenient ways of getting to the festival.
Now, onto the part we’re all here for—the music! Forwards is well-known for its bohemian energy. Multiple artists from various genres catered to everyone’s taste. Whether it was the jazzy tunes from Nubya Garcia’s sax, Four Tet’s beats getting everyone two-stepping at the East stage, dancing with strangers during Joy (Anonymous), or rapping every word along with the infamous Loyle Carner, the sound was incredible for all acts. I’m still impressed that no audio crossed over between the stages, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the artists you came to see.
After my first experience at Forwards Festival, I, along with many others, will no doubt be looking to attend next year. The diversity and friendliness found here are unmatched elsewhere, making it a fantastic place to be. Fingers crossed for sunnier weather next year!
Adam James @Adamjxphoto
Role: Photographer
I'm a semi-professional photographer that loves to capture anything and everything. I'd love to travel with my photography so going on tour has always been on my to-do list.
My first camera was gifted to me as a hand me down from my brother many many years ago and I've only gotten better since and learnt along the way.
Qualification: Self taught photographer/videographer. Didn't go to uni, work full time in telecomms.
Available for: Sport, events, portrait and anything that takes my fancy, other than weddings!
First attended gig: The first gig I attended was a band called Dog Is Dead at the Louisianna in Bristol. It was such a good gig and I recruited some family to take me as I was under 16! This band was my gateway into the Indie Pop Rock genre that I love today.
First gig shot: The first band I took pictures of was, was the first gig I went to alone. None of my friends liked the band, Pinegrove, so I contacted Thekla and asked if I could bring my camera. They let me in and I had my first photo pass! I still have the badge to this day.
Dream gig: Arctic Monkeys in the AM era. Watching Matt Bellamy run down the stage playing plug in baby. Moose Blood on a tour...!
Rosie Risdale @rosie_sh00ts
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
I am a portrait, fashion, and music photographer. I review and interview, and am also available for press shoots and album covers.
Qualification: Attending the University of the West of England for photography
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I ever went to was to watch Bad Sounds at SWX in Bristol. The last was Conan Gray!
First gig shot: The first gig I ever shot was for an amazing band called Overpass.
Dream gig: I would die to see, shoot, or interview Loyle Carner!