FAQs

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2026
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Doors open: 12:00

Last Entry: 20:00

Close: 23:00 
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Site address: Durdham Down, Circular Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS9 1NE 

What3Words location: Lace, Edge, Wished

FORWARDS is open to all ages, however under 18’s will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+). 

Anyone aged between 5 - 12 years will need to purchase a kids ticket, and 13 - 17 year olds will need to purchase a Teen ticket.

Children aged 4 or under go free, but still need to register for their free ticket. These tickets are registered by adding an infant ticket at the time of purchasing the accompanying adult’s ticket.   

We will be operating a Challenge 25 policy for alcohol on all bars, so be sure to bring your ID with you. We will need to see an ID with your name, face, and the holographic PASS logo on it. If you’re hesitant to bring a driver’s licence or passport, please look into getting a CitizenCard from the Post Office www.citizencard.com

Gates open at 12:00 each day.

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Last entry to the event is 20:00.

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There is no general re-entry to the festival. However, we do have an official Parental Re-admission Policy in place. Someone who has a child will be allowed to leave the site to drop them off and then come back in without the child. This policy only extends to people who are leaving the site with a child and must still be cleared with security at the main gate. Re-entry will not be granted in any other circumstances. Please make sure that you (or whichever adult) is taking the children off site speaks to the team at the main gate BEFORE leaving as you MUST collect a pass out and be back on site by 20:00. If no pass out is collected then you will not be allowed to come back on to the site.

Prohibited Items

​Please note, the following items are prohibited and will prevent entry to site:

• Aerosols
• Alcohol, illicit drugs, nitrous oxides, or legal highs
• Animals (with the exception of assistance dogs)
• Bicycles or scooters
• Cans
• Disposable or single use vapes (vapes which can be both refilled and recharged are allowed)
• Fireworks, laser pens, or flares
• Food, drink, cool boxes, picnic hampers (with the exception of medical requirement)
• Glass (this includes perfume bottles and similar containers)
• Glitter including glitter labelled biodegradable
• Hi-Vis waistcoats, jackets or vests
• Pens or paint
• Selfie sticks and gimbals
• Umbrellas
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (aka Drones)
• Walkie Talkies and radios 
• Anything which could be considered an offensive weapon or could cause danger or nuisance.

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Confiscated items will not be returned. If you believe you need an exception to this list, please email forwards@teamlove.org and we will do our best to assist you. Folding/camping chairs are permitted but we advise caution when using them as you may be asked to move if blocking access routes.

There is no general public parking on the site. There will be road closures and parking exclusions in the surrounding area, so please come to the festival on foot, by bike or public transport.

​There is an allocated drop off / pick up point approximately 500m from the festival site for taxis / Ubers. (What3Words: Cowboy.Roses.Units)

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We have a limited amount of bike parking. If you would like to use it, please make sure you bring a lock. All bikes are left at owner’s risk.

There is an allocated drop off / pick up point on Ladies Mile, approximately 500m from the festival site for Taxis / Ubers (What3Words: Cowboy.Roses.Units)

There is no general public parking on the site. There will be road closures and parking exclusions in the surrounding area, so please come to the festival on foot, by bike or public transport.

​There is an allocated drop off / pick up point approximately 500m from the festival site for taxis / Ubers. (What3Words: Cowboy.Roses.Units)

Residents in affected areas will be notified ahead of any closures by post. If you have a specific concern relating to closures, please email forwards@teamlove.org.

A dedicated Shuttle bus service will be running from key points within the City to the festival site. The shuttle bus stop is approximately 450m from the festival gate. Please check back for more details as these will be confirmed nearer to the event date.

First, please check the provider you purchased your ticket through, as we have multiple ticket providers who each have their own terms of service. Actual tickets will not be sent out until nearer to the festival date, but after purchase you should receive a confirmation email with all the information you need.

Please only buy tickets from authorised agents. Beware of touts and unauthorised ticket agents selling tickets as there is no guarantee of their authenticity. You will be refused entry if you attempt to use a counterfeit ticket. Please note that tickets are non-transferable.

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We want to make our event as accessible as possible - please contact us at forwards@teamlove.org if you would like to attend but are facing financial difficulties.

If you are on disability based benefits, you may be eligible for a free companion / PA ticket. Please consult the Accessibility section at the top of this page for more information.

First, please check the provider you purchased your ticket through, as we have multiple ticket providers who each have their own terms of service. Actual tickets will not be sent out until nearer to the festival date, but after purchase you should receive a confirmation email with all the information you need.

Please only buy tickets from authorised agents. Beware of touts and unauthorised ticket agents selling tickets as there is no guarantee of their authenticity. You will be refused entry if you attempt to use a counterfeit ticket. Please note that tickets are non-transferable.

It's a shame you can't join us this year, but don't worry! We will open a dedicated Tixel page for fan-to-fan resale once the event sells out.

We have the following accessible provisions at the festival:

• Personal Assistant / Companion Ticket
• Viewing Platforms 
• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Toilets 
• Lowered Bar Areas

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If you would like to register to use any of these facilities, please read “How Can I Book Accessibility Provisions” below. 

If you require a provision we have not listed here, please email accessibility@teamlove.org for clarification and advice.

The following information provides details about the bookable accessible provisions at the festival. If you have any questions that are not answered below please contact accessibility@teamlove.org.

If you would like to register to use any of the following accessible facilities.

• Personal Assistant / Companion Ticket
• Viewing Platforms 
• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Toilets 
• Lowered Bar Areas

Firstly, you will need to purchase a ticket through our website, and then fill in the access request form. When filling in the form, you will also need to upload some supporting evidence along with your application. (Please read the form for details of suggested documents). Once you have submitted your form we will get back to you within two weeks to let you know if it has been approved.

Please note that submission of the form alone does not automatically guarantee eligibility for use of the accessible facilities. If you have any queries about eligibility, please contact us prior to purchasing your ticket at accessibility@teamlove.org. 

If you require the form in an alternative format please contact us at accessibility@teamlove.org or call 0117 9411611.

Our accessible facilities will only be available to ticket holders who have pre-registered their requirements. This is to ensure that we have time to put appropriate provisions in place on site. Please complete the form no later than 4th of August 2026. Information Packs will be sent out to anyone who has successfully registered during the week before the event.

Festival Site Information

FORWARDS will be taking place on Durdham Downs which is an open green-field site. It has some limited pavement and tarmac paths on the peripheral entrances and exits, however most of the space consists of grass and green space. While there will be some sheltered areas (some stalls and marquees), it is predominantly an open-air event. Ground conditions are therefore weather dependent, if we experience extreme weather the ground may become muddy and the grass may well get churned up. This means that mobility across the site may become compromised. We ask you to consider this before purchasing a ticket.

Induction Loops

There will be an induction loop at the Accessibility Box Office.

British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters

We are planning to have BSL interpreters for some of the performances at FORWARDS this year.  Please contact accessibility@teamlove.org for more information.

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Assistance Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs on the site. There will be an area provided for toileting and drinking. Please let us know on your form if you are bringing one in advance of the event. To organise this please contact accessibility@teamlove.org. 

Strobes

Please note that strobe effects may be used at this event. However, there will not be any specific announcements prior to their use.

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Accessoloo

Accessoloo is an onsite changing facility with toilet, hoist and changing table that will be joining us. N.B. Please bring your own sling if you wish to use the hoist.

Medical Services and Welfare Area

We have an onsite medical tent with trained First Aiders should customers need this service. 

Diverse Break Out Space

In addition, we have an onsite sensory break out space provided by Diverse UK. This space aims to provide a safe, low level stimulation and recalibration zone for those on the Autistic Spectrum or for those who need a place to have a moment of calm, rather than having to leave the festival. 

If you have any queries, please contact accessibility@teamlove.org or call 0117 941 1611.

Please note: The disabled access facilities are for festival goers with permanent disabilities – pregnant people and/or people with recent injuries such as broken legs, hip replacements etc do not qualify.

We take our accessibility seriously and therefore there will be a small number of Mystery Shopper tickets available to disabled customers. For more information please go to the AIE website here.

This is predominately an open-air event, and while there will be some sheltered and seated areas, most stages and viewing platforms will be uncovered. Please consider this and prepare for the increasingly unpredictable and adverse British summer. Prepare for rain and mud or heat and dust by bringing layers and packable clothing such as waterproof coats, hats and sunglasses. Ground conditions are also weather dependent; if we experience extreme weather the ground may become muddy and the grass may well get churned up, so appropriate footwear is advised. In extreme heat, the ground may become dusty so those with sensitivities or allergies should come prepared with any medications in their original packaging and with prescription labels.

To get in touch with us, please email: forwards@teamlove.org

On the day, please go to The Info Tent (located near the Main Gate) if you lose or find something. Please check back nearer the time of the event for more information on collecting lost property after the show.

We will be running a cloakroom, this can be found at the Info Tent. Price per item and further details will be confirmed nearer to the festival date.

This is predominantly an open-air event, and while there will be some sheltered and seated areas, most stages and viewing platforms will be uncovered. Please consider this and prepare for the increasingly unpredictable and adverse British summer. Prepare for rain and mud or heat and dust by bringing layers and packable clothing such as waterproof coats (umbrellas are not permitted and may be confiscated at the gate), hats and sunglasses. Ground conditions are also weather dependent; if we experience extreme weather the ground may become muddy and the grass may well get churned up, so appropriate footwear and caution with mobility aids is advised. In extreme heat, the ground may become dusty so those with sensitivities or allergies should come prepared with any medications in their original packaging and with prescription labels.

FORWARDS will be taking place on Durdham Downs which is an open air green-field site. It has some limited pavement and tarmac paths on the peripheral entrances and exits, however most of the space consists of grass and green space. While there will be some sheltered areas (some stalls and marquees), it is predominantly an open-air event, with both stages uncovered - we would advise all attendees to bring waterproof coats & clothing in the event of rain. Ground conditions are also weather dependent, if we experience extreme weather the ground may become muddy and the grass may well get churned up, so sturdy footwear is advised.

Umbrellas are on the list of prohibited items both for safety reasons, and so that they don’t block the viewing experience of fellow fans. We therefore advise you to pay particular attention to the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the expected conditions.

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A Cashless Festival

We operate a cashless system across all the bars at FORWARDS. Some traders and fairground rides may still accept cash payments, but please ensure you are able to pay on card or Apple / Google Pay before entering the site.

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Reusable Cup Scheme

We will once again be running our reusable cup scheme across all bars. There will be a levy on your first cup - if you always bring your empty cup back to the bar, you won’t be charged again.

We can’t allow attendees to bring their own food and drink into the venue. There will be plenty of reasonably-priced bars and traders on site providing a wide variety of refreshments all day long. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be available.

There should be food available to cater for most dietary requirements but please do check with each individual vendor in advance of purchasing food if you have particular requirements or allergies. If you have concerns or wish to speak with someone regarding a special dietary requirement which impacts your health, please contact accessibility@teamlove.org. 

We encourage attendees to bring their own empty reusable water bottles, and there will be multiple water refilling stations around the site.

Our applications have now closed for 2026. To pre-register for 2027, please fill in this form.

We will have a dedicated area where children (and adults!) can explore and learn, including a wide range of activities such crafts, dancing, educational workshops and shows. This area is open from midday until 6pm, it’s a good idea to arrive early to not miss out. This is also where the Kid’s Cafe and baby change facilities are located.

The Kids Area will have lots on offer to entertain the children. Expect crafts, dance, workshops, and more! 

For more information and details on how to sign up to some of the experiences, please check out the Kids Area page here.

For press applications please contact forwards@teamlove.org.

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We wish to harness the power of live events to bring people together for incredible music moments and positive change. 

We believe we need to act urgently on the climate and nature emergency, in a way that is fair for everyone, and are committed to making our event as sustainable, accessible and inclusive as possible.

We are actively measuring and working on reducing our impact each year, whilst maximising our positive social and environmental impact through partnerships, projects and fundraising. 

We want everyone to arrive with an open, curious mind and an attitude of respect and care toward each other and our environment. The Avon Gorge & Downs are home to over 30 nationally rare and scarce plants, so please leave no trace.

• Powering the show using HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and battery power, while continuously exploring other renewable energy sources. In 2025 we had advanced data monitoring equipment and trialled solar panels behind the scenes, to increase our energy efficiency. 
• Composting leftover food and serveware, including plates, cutlery and napkins, removing around 2 tonnes of serveware from general waste. 
• Balancing unavoidable transport emissions from our event production, through ecosystem regeneration and protection with Onboard:earth.
• Providing placement, employment and performance opportunities at the event for local 18-30 year olds.
• Building the show with materials that can be continually reused and refurbished, and using biomaterials such as mycelium, for acoustic panelling and creative design. 
• Supporting climate action charities, and local nature and habitat restoration projects.
• Eliminating single use plastics and using only re-useable, washable crockery and cups back of house for crew and artists.
• Surveying our audience each year to get your feedback on our initiatives.

For more information, you can find our sustainability reports here

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Volunteer at festivals and raise money for a charity of your choice! ​

Volunteering is a gateway to making unforgettable friends while getting free entry to FORWARDS. Volunteering with My Cause UK means you become part of a community that is exciting, adventurous, and passionate about making a change in the world we live in.

For more information & details on how to apply, head here.

Applications to join our bar staff team are now open! Please apply via the link here

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We have a fully equipped Medical Centre on site that is manned by qualified staff. Please make yourself aware of its location as you enter the festival. If you suspect somebody is unwell take them to the Medical Tent. If in severe cases they are not moving, please do not attempt to move the individual. Alert a member of Security or a Steward immediately who will call for the exact help needed. 

If you take any medication regularly remember to bring it with you in the original packaging with your prescription label on it and make your friends aware of any illness or allergies you may have. Look after yourself and those around you.

The Welfare Tent is located right next to the Medical Centre. If you need to grab a quiet five minutes or just want someone to talk to, the Welfare Tent provides a safe and non-judgemental space to do this.

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For all staff, performers, artists, contractors, suppliers, crew, volunteers, festival goers, press and guests.
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We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and fun environment for every person who comes into our spaces. 

We are inspired by bringing together culture and community through festivals and events.  

We want our spaces to be inclusive for those from all backgrounds, diverse in output and where people can come together and share their knowledge, experience and culture in a place that is open and accessible for all.  

For this to be possible, we expect everyone on site to be considerate of one another, treat each other with respect and value the contributions that each person brings to the table.

We ask that everyone is mindful of how language and behaviours can be received in different ways by different people, and that their effect can be negative even if that was not the intention.

We actively encourage open conversation and feedback, and promote clear channels for concerns and issues to be raised, heard and addressed. 

We will not tolerate discrimination in relation to ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, faith, age, relationship status, pregnancy, physical or cognitive disability, learning difficulties, neuro diversity, health or mental health related vulnerabilities, political beliefs or of any other kind.

Harassment of any person is totally unacceptable.  

For the purpose of this Code of Conduct, harassment is defined as any of the following:

• Threatening or menacing behaviour
• Physical assault
• Verbal abuse
• Discriminatory slurs and derogatory language of any kind
• Sexual assault 
• Sexual harassment
• Domestic Abuse
• Bullying
• Harassment
• Stalking

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REMEMBER

If it’s unwanted…

IT’S NOT OK!

Don’t Be A Bystander

We ask that anyone who witnesses harassment of any kind on our site be prepared to speak out and challenge it.

But always make sure that you feel safe to intervene – remember your ABC:

- Assess for safety
- Be in a group
- Care for the person at risk

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Direct Action: Call out negative behaviour and ask the person being harassed if they’re okay

Distract: Provide the person being harassed with a reason to leave the situation - tell them they need to take a call, spill a drink, anything to get them away to safety.

Delay: Once the situation has passed, check in with the person being harassed to make sure they’re okay.

Delegate: Call for help, or ask someone with authority to intervene in the situation.

If you witness or are subject to harassment or someone reports an incident to you, you can report this to the specially trained staff in the Welfare Tent located in the main arena, or any other identifiable member of staff:

• Members of the crew can also speak to their Supervisor, Production Office, or any other trusted person to support if you feel unable to report an incident on your own. 
• Performers and their Touring Parties can raise any issues with the Artist Liaison Manager. 

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All complaints will be taken seriously, promptly addressed and dealt with sensitively and appropriately. Trained staff will be able to provide support and advice.

In the event of a breach of our Code of Conduct, we reserve the right to take any action we feel appropriate, including termination of contract, immediate expulsion from our area or the event, disciplinary action or reporting incidents to the police.

Our Code of Conduct is designed to reflect our values and foster a culture of respect to allow everyone to enjoy our events and festivals. It applies to everyone involved - we will all be held to the same standards. By coming onto our site you are agreeing to uphold these expectations. Each of us is responsible for our own actions and for looking out for each other.

If you would like to read our full Inclusion, Diversity & Equality statement, please click HERE.

If for any reason you feel unsafe or notice something that doesn’t seem right, we are proud to have Safer Spaces Now on site, a team dedicated to the emotional wellbeing and safety of festival audiences. Safer Spaces Now is a community interest company that was set up to help educate and create a culture that confronts and prevents sexual violence, harassment and domestic abuse at festivals and events; providing all women and girls access to specialist support, reporting and ongoing localised referral pathways. They are gender informed but their services are gender inclusive, turning no one away that needs a safe space.

They use specially trained outreach teams educating and engaging festival goers, staff and vendors with zero tolerance and don't be a bystander messaging, to de-stigmatise talking about and reporting sexual violence. Their tents are set up as a welcoming safe space where people can come and hang out, use facilities and escape to some calmness. The tents also provide a safe space for people to report incidents and get the professional support they need.

Please read here for more info, or come find the Safer Spaces Now team on site. Their tent is next to the Info and Welfare tents.

The Information Area is a space for discussion, debate, and understanding on today's current affairs and cultural issues and themes, plus challenging the role of music festivals. A lineup of inspirational experts, artists, writers, and thinkers from across the social and political spectrum will join at Forwards this August. To learn more, visit The Information page.

We are proud to continue building and expanding the presence of The Information: Interactive at the festival year on year. In the past, we have had workshops, activities and experiences from groundbreaking social initiatives and campaign groups such as Bristol Rebel Elders (Part of Extinction Rebellion), Bristol Defend the Asylum Seekers Campaign, and Grrrl Zine Fair. A space for stalls, displays and stands to allow community connections, cultural exchange, campaigning and collaboration, The Interactive allows festival audiences to connect with a bigger, broader community. To learn more, visit The Interactive page.

Applications for organisations to run stalls and workshops at The Information:Interactive have already closed for this year, please email forwards@teamlove.org for more information for 2027.

Unfortunately at this time we can’t accept applications for panels or talks at The Information.

Our 2026 priorities for traders are:

• Local traders (from Bristol and surrounding areas)
• Living Wage Employers
• A 50/50 meat to vegetarian menu
• Caterers who welcome allergies & intolerances 
• Local and higher welfare sourcing (i.e. organic, fairtrade)
• Bristol Eating Better Award or Soil Association “Organic Served Here” Certified
• Traders who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability or are working on social impact projects

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Please fill in this form to apply for a trader slot at FORWARDS Presents: Lorde. Please note, we can only accept applications from food traders and cannot accept alcohol trading applications. 

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To be accepted, traders must have: 

• Food hygiene rating of 5
• Up to date sustainability policy
• Up to date manager training on food hygiene & allergens
• Policy or statement on: Safeguarding, Inclusion, EDI
• Must use certified compostable serveware (home or industrial)
• Provide all requested documentation, including a restaurant style menu with allergen information, before an offer is made from Team Love

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