Forwards Festival has announced its line-up for 2026, led by Little Simz, Self Esteem and more. Find all the details below.
The two-day event is set to take place at The Downs in Bristol on Saturday August 29 and Sunday August 30. It’ll follow the Forwards Presents date on Friday August 28, which features the likes of Lorde and Djo.
Saturday boasts the all-female co-headliners Tems, Self Esteem and Wet Leg, as well as slots from Joy Crookes, Tricky and Goldie (live). The first day will also host Paraorchestra Presents Kraftwerk Re:werk with Charles Hazlewood, and special guests Maribou State.
On Sunday, Little Simz tops the bill alongside Amyl & The Sniffers and Dijon. There’ll be performances from Viagra Boys, Oklou, Princess Nokia, Jean Dawson, Jim Legxacy, Gena Ft. Liv.e & Karriem Riggins, and Anaiis, too.
Ticketholders will be able to enjoy a range of talks, exhibitors and local food, with the festival featuring a kids area as well.
Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT next Wednesday (March 18) – you’ll be able to buy yours here. Alternatively, fans can access a pre-sale at the same time on Tuesday (March 17) by signing up here.
“Built for the full weekend, Forwards’ 2026 music line-up crosses genres and offers standout moments from major international artists across both days, making the festival a two-day bank holiday celebration of music and culture not to be missed,” organisers wrote.
Forwards 2025 hosted performances from the likes of Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Jorja Smith and The Last Dinner Party.
Little Simz released her sixth and latest studio album, ‘Lotus’, last summer. She was recently nominated for two BRIT Awards, and is in the running for four MOBOs this month. Tems, meanwhile, is due to co-headline All Points East in London this August with Jorja Smith.
