The festival comes back after their very successful debut edition last year, announcing two big headlines who are ready to rock the festival off the boat. The event is going to be lead by one of the most influential and celebrated electronic musicians of all time, Aphex Twin, known for his innovative and experimental approach to the making of his music. Backing up, expect to see the eclectic Erykah Badu. She is amongst the biggest neo-soul idols of the industry and she definitely knows how to put on a show.

A selection of other unmissable artists also have a spot in the lineup. These include Bonobo, Primal Scream, Arlo Parks, Raye, Leftfield, Amyl and The Sniffers, Viagra Boys and many more. Hosted at Clifton Downs in Bristol from the 1st September to the 2nd.

The reason why the festival adopted such a name like FORWARDS, is because it’s ideology toward a greater cause is particularly prominent within their handbook. Not only do they put their head down to put on the best live acts and musical experiences for the Bristol audience, but they take into account the particular discrepancies found amongst the public’s possible unfortunate dysfunctionalities and impairments.

As part of their schedule they include a section named The Information. An offered opportunity for fans to get involved in a space dedicated to hosting debates and discussions alongside experts, creatives, disruptors, writers and thinkers. It is a challenge to create an interactive dynamic in the affair to get people to speak their opinion. After last years success with Jack Monroe and Jay Rayner they return with further announcements down the line.

As well as the latter they have adapted a number of other improvements such as host a Social Initiative programme to create awareness towards positive change. A Capture Forwards programme which invites photographer startups to get first hand experience in shooting a live event to kick start their career.

Claimed “a progressive-minded festival” - a statement made by The Guardian. A fair affirmation after finding out that NHS workers get a discounted ticket, as a thank you for the hard work they put in for the country. As well as balanced discounts for residents and low-income customers. It is safe to say the festival has been named quite accurately.

Tickets go on sale on the 24th March at 10am. The pre sale, however, is on the 23rd March at 10am.

Click here for tickets.

The song takes aim at the growingly embittered, gun-toting male hordes who spend perhaps a little too much time on the right-wing forums, and less time out and about in reality.

With some exciting new electronic flavours thrown in the mix, the point-blank blasts of punchy basslines and the haggard vocal groans from singer Sebastian Murphy make this band the best example of giving people what they want! Their consistency in providing such satisfying hits is maybe unparalleled.

As stated in a press release, “Troglodyte” is an; “exploration into the chaos and confusion of current events through the comparison of modern man with troglodytes (I.E. cave dwellers)”.

As Viagra Boy’s chief crooner and lyricist, Murphy opened up about his thoughts on the world and humankind, stating; “People look down at apes as primitive life forms, but we’re just this horrible, lazy society killing each other and starting wars, while they’re able to love and feel. Does that make them the true ape or us?”  Food for thought indeed.

Have a listen to “Troglodyte” in the video down below:

Cave World will follow their vastly successful Welfare Jazz LP and was produced by Pelle Gunnerfelt and DJ Haydn. It’s due to be released on the 8^th of July 2022 via Year0001. To pre-order the album (along with a plethora of merch and paraphernalia for all you young devotees) you can follow the link to their official store here.

The band are currently touring the UK and Europe and will embark on a voyage out to the US with the Londoners, Shame. Before returning to the UK in the bright new dawn of 2023. Tickets for these gigs can be purchased here.

To see if the Viagra Boys are coming to a town near you, check out the list of dates within the UK and Ireland down below:

Tour Dates:

12/05/2022- SWX- Bristol, UK
13/05- The Academy- Middle Abbey Street- Dublin, IE
14/05- The Foundry Sheffield- Sheffield, UK
18/08- Bredon Beacons- Newport, UK
20/01/2023- Rock City- Nottingham, UK
21/01- Barrowland Ballroom- Glasgow, UK
23/01- 3Olympia Theatre- Dublin, IE
24/01- The Great Hall- Cardiff University- Cardiff, UK
25/01- O2 Academy Brixton- London, UK