Review: Forwards 2024, day one – ‘The best of the diverse and forward-thinking music scene’

FORWARDS Festival launched on the Downs in 2022, and since then has attracted big names from a wide spectrum of acts including The Chemical Brothers, Little Simz, Charli XCX, Erkykah Badu, Bonobo, Jamie XX and Arlo Parks.

This year is no exception, with residents and visitors from across the country able to enjoy the musical stylings of Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem, Underworld, Jessie Ware, Four Tet and CMAT, among more local talent such as Cousin Kula, Laimu and Danny Chaska.

Split across two days, fans will enjoy LCD, Ware and more on Sunday, whilst I journeyed to the Downs on a cloudy but warm Saturday to see headliners Loyle Carner and Four Tet among others.

Families turned out to enjoy the third iteration of the festival on the Downs which features a varied lineup, panel discussions and plenty of food options – photo: Claudia

Divided into two main stages, FORWARDS is smartly set up so you don’t have to miss a thing, with an act starting on one stage almost as soon as the last finished: perfect for those like me who hate standing around waiting for the next act to appear! The only downside to this was the mass exodus every 45 minutes to the opposite end of the festival.

After getting my bearings, I started the day at the West Stage to see MRCY. Smooth jazz-infused beats with an R&B/soul focus to a chilled-out crowd relaxing before the festival got too busy.

Hak Baker took to the stage next, delivering rock with a charming cockney stage presence, livening the crowd up with a fascinatingly unique blend of singing and spoken word to tell gripping and hilarious stories.

Hak Baker brought humour, spoken word and funky rock energy – photo: Giulia Spadafora

I then caught the end of Nubya Garcia on the East Stage, delivering a technically sound saxophone solo to a packed crowd.

She was followed by Romy and Floating Points, who both delivered electric performances of high-energy beats filled with crowd-pleasing samples.

Romy delivered a crowd-pleasing, high energy set – photo: Giulia Spadafora

And while the music acts are a big attraction to the festival, a unique selling point is offering space for discussions and debates around a range of pressing topics at The Information.

Sunday is set to see talks on inclusive access to nature and inequality on the high street. On my visit I managed to take a break from the music to see a few talks based around the theme of alternative visions of the future.

Extinction Rebellion’s Music Declares Emergency were at the festival, signing people up to their No Music on a Dead Planet pledge – photo: Giulia Spadafora

First was a discussion with author and activist Akala about the recent political climate. Second, a talk hosted by Channel 4 focusing on storytelling with guests Mariam Musa and Tolani Shoneye. This was an engaging discussion from down-to-earth but intelligent voices about how to craft influence through your own stories.

Finally, I listened to an insightful talk on youth exploitation and the road to reform from a rich mix of perspectives that included actor Bashy and former Lord Mayor Cleo Lake.

Akala shared views on the current state of UK politics – photo: Plaster

By 6pm, the venue transformed into another stage, The Information By Night, showcasing local acts. Danny Chaska and Kwazi brought the energy to this smaller stage, while Laimu was the perfect way to finish with a chill set that allowed you to take a minute and relax before Loyle Carner began.

As the day ticked by and I started to get peckish, I was overwhelmed with the choice of vendors, with around 30 options ranging from local favourites Dead Wingers and Burger Theory to offerings from just about any cuisine you can think of.

A particular highlight was the Piña Oatlada, offering free Pina Colada soft-serve from festival sponsor Oatly.

The talks venue transformed into a music stage in the evening; various local acts took to the Information By Night – photo: @eljaybriss

As the sun set (as much as it could do on this cloudy day), East Stage headliner Four Tet arrived. I enjoyed a bit of the set from the Aperol Spritz balcony, but had to get down and into the crowd in the end.

The atmosphere was buzzing as he delivered an electric performance. Grabbing influences and samples from a wide range of styles, it was a performance not to be missed.

Headliners Four Tet and Loyle Carner did Forwards proud – photo: Giulia Spadafora

I finished the night with Loyle Carner, who seemed genuinely so pleased to be at FORWARDS and back in Bristol, frequently taking moments between songs to marvel at the size of the crowd in front of him.

Despite his humility, the energy, charisma and lyricism he brought to the set showed exactly why he was worthy of the headline sport. His music weaves a broad spectrum and styles, from more jazz-inspired grooves to a darker edge in his storytelling; his show enables even those who might not normally enjoy hip-hop to appreciate the genre’s range.

If FORWARDS aims to champion the best of the diverse and forward-thinking music scene in the UK, Loyle Carner truly exemplified this tonight.

Main image: Giulia Spadafora

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