Forwards Festival reveals final artists for its 2025 edition

The Bristol fest, which returns to Clifton Downs this August Bank Holiday, has added more names to its eclectic lineup, including Nilufer Yanya, Annie Mac, and Pa Salieu.

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 5th Jun 2025

Forwards Festival is returning to Clifton Downs in Bristol this August Bank Holiday, and has revealed the final names to grace its eclectic lineup.

The last few additions to the 2025 roster include genre-bending singer-songwriter Nilufer Yanya, and Berlin-based artist Anna Erhard taking to the Main Stage on the Saturday, followed by experimental rock group Squid and innovative rapper Pa Salieu on the Sunday.

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This year’s edition also sees the debut of new stage The Arches, a dance tent that will feature the likes of Annie Mac, Jamz Supernova, Shy One, and Helena Star, while The Information by Night Stage continues to highlight the most exciting new talent in Bristol.

Running from Saturday 23rd August to Sunday 24th August 2025, Forwards has already confirmed boundary-pushing acts like Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Confidence Man, Doechii, Jorja Smith, Olivia Dean, and many more to be rocking the Downs, all while continuing to platform future stars and ponder pressing cultural issues.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.