Festival News: Lorde and Djo to Headline FORWARDS

Lorde and Djo to Headline Surprise FORWARDS Presents Gig.

FORWARDS Festival organisers have announced a standalone event, FORWARDS Presents, scheduled for Friday, 28 August 2026. The outdoor concert will take place on Bristol’s Clifton Downs, serving as a prelude to the main two-day festival on 29–30 August.

The night is headlined by Lorde, marking the New Zealander’s first-ever performance in Bristol. The appearance follows her 2025 Ultrasound world tour and the release of her fourth studio album, Virgin. Joining the bill is Djo, the psychedelic-pop project of actor Joe Keery, who recently reached the top of the UK charts with his single “End of Beginning.”

Keery arrives in Bristol amidst a significant career peak. Following the emotional series finale of Stranger Things, which aired this past winter, his musical output has seen a massive global resurgence. His third album, The Crux, released in 2025, further established his credentials as a serious songwriter beyond his on-screen persona, with the project’s synth-heavy, retro aesthetic finding a wide audience.

The support line-up features a curated selection of international and local artists, including US singer-songwriter Audrey Hobert, London-based pop artist Rose Gray, and Australian indie artist Esha Tewari. They are joined by Bristol’s own electro-punk artist Grove, completing a diverse bill of contemporary talent.

While the line-up for the main FORWARDS Festival is yet to be revealed, this Friday event is ticketed separately. Presale tickets go live at 10:00 am on Thursday, 5 February via See Tickets and AXS.

Words by Oliver Evans

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