One of my 2019 festival highlights was undoubtedly The Downs festival which took place in the Bristol Downs.
Both the festival and the city itself ticked all the boxes with a cool vibe and friendly atmosphere.
Now TeamLove and AEG presents bring a brand new festival to the Bristol Downs – FORWARDS.
Taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2022 the inspired lineup includes The Chemical Brothers, Jamie xx, Little Simz, Roisin Murphy, Khruangbin, Caribou, Fred again.., Sleaford Mods, Floating Points, Kae Tempest, Kojey Radical, Self Esteem, Shygirl, The Comet is Coming, OVERMONO (Live), Gabriels, Sudan Archives, Chrissi and Connie Constance.
But it’s not just music that the festival has to offer.
THE INFORMATION
Waking up in 2022 (from groundhog day), we are primed and ready to look Forwards. In addition to the two main music stages, FORWARDS establishes THE INFORMATION; a space driven by activism, examination, debate and understanding on today’s current affairs and cultural issues, plus challenging the role of music festivals. A programme of some of the world’s most inspirational experts, disruptors, artists, writers and thinkers from across the social and political spectrum will be announced this Spring, tied together with Bristolian voices and collectives driving conversation throughout
SOCIAL INITIATIVES
Working with associated partner BIG TEAM CIC, FORWARDS will open doors for young people in the city, for those who have historically been excluded from and are under-represented in the festival and events industry. Offering work experience, shadowing and paid job placements across the festival. These relationships will be supported through outreach, engagement and meaningful partnerships with local youth organisations such as ACE and Babbasa. In addition our wider collaborations with Bristol Pride & other event teams in the city will allow us to create opportunities beyond FORWARDS. TEAM CANTEEN CIC, the independent hospitality collective which fights against food vulnerability, will host a pop-up cafe at FORWARDS and cater backstage for talent and crew. Sustainability plays a vital role at FORWARDS, in addition to the standard practice policy which runs through all Team Love events, our team have marked the first year on the Downs as its year zero, focusing on understanding the event’s impact. The festival team will collect data and create a 3-year strategy on how to monitor and reduce their GHG emissions, develop a circular, responsible production and consumption ethos while promoting social cohesion.
FORWARDS is also working alongside two amazing organisations ‘Protect our NHS’ and ‘Bristol grAttitude’ at the event and will be offering all local NHS workers special priced day tickets at £25.00+bf. This is their small way of saying ‘Thank-You’ to all the amazing NHS staff for their hard work and dedication over the last two years insupporting the people of the South West
Tickets are on-sale now from the festival’s website. There is even an instalment payment option via festicket.
But don’t delay, as tickets are moving fast.
