Nothing gets us in the mood for summer faster than the announcements of festivals. So we’re buzzing to hear that the Forwards Festival 2023 will return to The Downs this September. Described as ‘more than a music festival’, blending a cutting-edge music line-up with political activism, last year’s inaugural edition was a roaring success.
Audiences can expect Bristol’s newest festival to continue to be a platform for social purpose and timely debate this year. Alongside a soon-to-be-announced lineup of the biggest names in international music. Last year’s festival saw the likes of Jamie xx, The Chemical Brother, Charli XCX, Little Simz, Caribou, Sleaford Mods, Róisín Murphy and Floating Points all perform in 2022.
Taking place the first weekend of September (September 1 – 3), we expect Forwards Festival 2023 to bring in some equally big names. While continuing to champion young talent in the industry and enact positive change. The festival will continue its initiative of offering young people work experience, shadowing and paid placements across the festival in 2023.
At Forwards 2022, four up-and-coming photographers took part in a workshop and mentorship programme with professional photographers, which culminated in a paid placement over the festival weekend. Ahead of Forwards Festival 2023, Capture FORWARDS Exhibition will showcase their work (made up of Naomi Williams, Megan Tsz Kiu Ip, Jade Ayino and Ismael Abdi) at Trinity Centre on February 23 – 25.
“Capture Forwards was my first opportunity at festival photography and it was the perfect platform for me to stretch my photography skills and connect with fellow creatives,” said Megan Tsz Kiu Ip. “After Capture FORWARDS, I have gotten more opportunities to photograph events and I’m grateful to those who made the program possible.”
To keep up to date with more FORWARDS Festival 2023 news head to the website.