Forwards Festival 2026 reveals headliners

FORWARDS returns this August for its fifth year, bringing the biggest names in international music for an electrifying two-days where genres collide and creative talent takes centre stage. 

Closing out the summer on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, the festival has unveiled a standout slate of co-headliners for 2026 weekender, welcoming to the festival for the first time TEMS, WET LEG and DIJON, with Tems and Dijon performing in Bristol for the first time. They will feature alongside major artists such as LITTLE SIMZ, SELF ESTEEM, and AMYL & THE SNIFFERS returning to FORWARDS to take centre stage now as headline acts.

The Saturday will play host to all female co-headliners, with Grammy Award-winning Nigerian star TEMS, whose soulful, globally resonant sound has made her one of the defining voices of contemporary R&B, alongside UK powerhouse SELF ESTEEM and indie trailblazers WET LEG, both renowned for their bold lyricism and electrifying live performances.

On Sunday co-headliners feature Mercury Prize-winning rapper and cultural force LITTLE SIMZ, whose artistry continues to redefine British hip-hop, alongside the explosive Australian punk band AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS and acclaimed American singer-songwriter DIJON.

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.

SATURDAY 29 AUGUST
TEMS | SELF ESTEEM | WET LEG
JOY CROOKES | TRICKY I GOLDIE (LIVE)
PARAORCHESTRA PRESENTS KRAFTWERK RE:WERK W/ CHARLES HAZLEWOOD

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS: MARIBOU STATE

SUNDAY 30 AUGUST
LITTLE SIMZ |  AMYL & THE SNIFFERS | DIJON 
VIAGRA BOYS | OKLOU | JIM LEGXACY
PRINCESS NOKIA I JEAN DAWSON 
GENA FT. LIV.E & KARRIEM RIGGINS |  ANAIIS 

Since its inception, FORWARDS has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking festivals, pairing globally celebrated artists with homegrown talent, and music with meaningful conversation. Alongside its main stage programme, the festival’s acclaimed ‘THE INFORMATION’ stage will return, hosting timely debate, grassroots voices and big ideas that shape culture beyond the weekend itself.

Now entering its fifth year, FORWARDS continues to evolve, expanding its creative vision while staying rooted in Bristol’s independent spirit. What began as a bold new addition to the city’s cultural calendar has grown into a landmark moment of the UK festival season.

Tom Paine, Co-founder of Team Love:
“Reaching five years of FORWARDS feels like a major milestone. From the beginning, our aim has been to build a festival that reflects Bristol’s community action, creativity and diversity, whilst bringing global music artists to the city each summer. Our 2026 lineup feels like the perfect way to celebrate this journey together, with incredible music artists we are proud to see return to FORWARDS now as headliners, alongside first-time headliners - making it our most broad & diverse music offering to date with both days offering something for everyone.’ 

Jim King, CEO, AEG Presents UK & European Festivals:
“FORWARDS festival continues to be a hugely positive moment in the Bristol summer calendar, both musically and culturally, year on year building on what has become one of the UK’s most exciting and progressive festivals. Marking its fifth year, we are proud to be bringing six outstanding headliners, alongside a programme of cutting-edge talks, conversations and social initiatives that set FORWARDS apart.”

More artists will be announced for FORWARDS festival 2026 later this year, promising an unforgettable fifth edition on the bank holiday weekend.

Tickets go on pre-sale at 10:00 GMT on Tuesday 17 March, with general sale live from 10:00 GMT on Wednesday 18 March via www.forwardsbristol.co.uk