Day one of Forwards arrived with that trademark Bristol buzz. Clifton Downs once again transformed into a sprawling playground for thousands upon thousands of festival-goers, and as a first-timer, I genuinely had no idea just how big this festival really was. I’d only ever heard incredible things about it, and it didn’t disappoint. The August sun was beautiful and relentless all day, leading to plenty of lounging on the grass between sets until the evening chill set in—pulling everyone back together under the stage lights.
What makes Forwards stand out is its brilliant simplicity. There are no muddy campsites, no endless treks backwards and forwards from the car to haul camping gear and crates of beer—or cider, since this is Bristol. It’s a pure city festival: people show up, drink in hand, and let the music take over.
From the moment I walked through the gates, the vibe was effortlessly chilled and welcoming. Queues for food and drinks turned into mini socials, while heavy basslines rumbled across the Downs like a call and response, steadily drawing the crowd toward the booming stages. By mid-afternoon, the shift was clear: cheeks flushed, shoulders loose, and the first big dance circles breaking out as people surrendered themselves to the Forwards atmosphere.
The day’s line-up leaned into electronic and groove-driven acts, creating a flow that felt familiar yet never predictable. Mount Kimbie’s woozy soundscapes set a hazy, head-bopping tone that eased the crowd into a dreamy drift. English Teacher countered with loud guitars and catchy hooks, while Confidence Man—my personal highlight—unleashed their usual riot of camp theatre, synchronised struts, tongue-in-cheek choreography, and even backwards somersaults. A good portion of the audience tried to imitate their wild moves, laughter erupting everywhere. The Downs was alive with people bouncing between genres, dancing, and fully embracing the joy of the festival.
As the sun began to dip, the mood shifted from relaxed afternoon vibes to something far more electric. Drinks were flowing, glitter and festival gear were on full display, and the crowd pressed in closer to the main stages. The communal festival switch had been flipped—this was no longer casual wandering but a collective surge into the night. Arms stayed raised longer, voices carried across the Downs between sets, and the atmosphere felt perfectly primed for the evening’s biggest moments.
Orbital’s set reminded everyone why they remain one of the UK’s greatest live electronic acts. Aside from their trademark head torches (and, at one point, a pink mullet wig), they needed no gimmicks—the music spoke for itself. Thick, hypnotic beats built in steady, gigantic waves before dropping into pure euphoria. The visuals synced seamlessly with the sound, but the real “whoa” moment was the audience: thousands moving as one giant, living mass, faces glowing with joy. Older fans swayed with eyes closed, lost in the rave, while younger ones were swept up in the intensity. A cheeky surprise cameo from Confidence Man only added fuel to the fire. Still, it was Orbital’s experience and mastery of atmosphere that truly commanded the night, leaving the Downs buzzing with energy long after their set ended.
And then, one final act.
Headlining his first major Bristol show, Barry Can’t Swim delivered one of the most stunning performances of the day. His unique fusion of heavy house rhythms, soulful samples, and jazzy instrumentation hit the perfect festival sweet spot. Expansive enough to fill a huge stage, yet strangely intimate, his set was elevated by a live strings and percussion section that gave tracks from Loner a new, radiant energy. Each build-up was met with cheers and raised arms. I have never in my life seen so many people on shoulders as I did during his set. When he dropped “Sunsleeper,” the Downs lit up completely—thousands of strangers swaying, friends singing into each other’s faces, the last streaks of sunset blending into the stage lights.
It didn’t just feel like a headline show. It felt like a celebration. The perfect closing chapter to day one of Forwards Festival.
I am a self taught Photographer and an aspiring reviewer.
I have been in and out of bands for the past 15 years and some, so thought it only makes sense to stay in the scene that has been the most important aspect of my life since I can remember, live music.
Available for:
I am available for small gigs, larger concerts, recording sessions and festivals.
First attended gig:
The first proper gig that went to that I can actually remember was Muse supported by a then lesser known Elbow and I think the main reason I remember that is because it was the first big concert that I was allowed to go to with just my friends. Obviously Muse were fantastic by the way.
First gig shot:
Im pretty sure the first gig I shot was for a friends band at a local social club with some sort of £30 Argos camera. You can only imagine the fantastic quality of the shots.
Dream gig:
My dream gig to shoot would most definitely be either Tool, not just because they are amazing but their stage and lighting is magnificent. Or I would love to shoot another one of my favourite bands which is Explosions In The Sky and that’s just because they are incredible.
