Forwards Festival: Everything you need to know

The festival will return to the city this Saturday and Sunday

As festival season draws to a close, there's one staple still left on the summer calendar.

Thousands of people are preparing to head to Forwards Festival in Bristol this weekend.

The two-day festival on Clifton Down, starting on Saturday, is one of the biggest music events in the city's calendar, despite being a relatively fresh face on the scene.

This year's line-up boasts big names, with LCD Soundsystem, Loyle Carner and Jessie Ware among the headliners.

Alongside international names, the festival is hosting Bristol-based band Cousin Kula

What's the line-up?

Forwards Festival showcases emerging artists from Bristol and beyond as well as welcoming some of the biggest names in international music.

This year's headliners include Loyle Carner and Four Tet on Saturday, followed by Floating Points, Romy, and Yussef Days.

Those with Sunday tickets can expect to see Jessie Ware, Underworld, and LCD Soundsystem dominate the stage.

They will be joined by a selection of newly announced homegrown talent, including Cousin Kula, Lice and Kwazi.

Festival director, Tom Paine, said the information stage is a "platform for conversation"

What else is on offer?

Forwards Festival is about more than just music.

Organisers say the "progressive" event will also hold "future thinking" talks and social initiatives around race, gender identity and climate change.

At the heart of the event is 'Forwards Thinking', a platform for year round social initiatives in the city established through event partners, Big Team CIC and Team Canteen CIC.

According to organisers, the event aims to "harness the power of live events" to spark initiatives and social change through debates and discussions.

A line-up of inspirational experts, artists, writers and thinkers from across the social and political spectrum will represent the festival at a dedicated space called The Information stage.

The festival has a capacity of 60,000 people across the two days

When do the gates open?

Gates will open at midday each day.

Last entry to the event will be 20:00 BST on Saturday, and 20:00 BST on Sunday.

There is no general re-entry to the festival, other than special exceptions for parents leaving the site with a child.

The festival is open to all ages, but under-18s will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Can I still get tickets?

It's not too late!

Day and weekend tickets are still available for purchase on the event's website.

Additional tickets are also up for grabs through their official resale partner, Tixel, with prices ranging from £65-£100.

How do I get there?

There is no general public parking on the site.

There will also be road closures and parking exclusions in place in the surrounding area, so organisers are asking festivalgoers to please come to the festival on foot, by bike or public transport.

​There is an allocated drop off and pick up point approximately 500m (1640ft) from the festival arena for taxis.

The weather forecast predicts light winds throughout the weekend

What's the weather looking like?

BBC West forecaster Ian Fergusson says:

"It's looking a decent weekend of weather in Bristol, with variable cloud amounts competing with sunnier spells.

"Temperatures should reach about 20C on Saturday, whilst Sunday will be somewhat warmer, into the low 20's C.

"Dry conditions will dominate, although a shower isn't impossible later Saturday and likewise on Sunday.

"Despite uncertainty on that element of the forecast, it's nonetheless looking a rather low risk."

Carrying prohibited items will prevent entry onto the festival site

What else do I need to know?

Festival organisers have put together a list of prohibited items to ensure the safety and security of everyone on site.

Banned items include fireworks, animals, paint, hi-vis vests, glass and selfie sticks.

Also on the list might be some festival favourites, but they will certain catch the attention of security- including alcohol, loose glitter, disposable vapes and cans.

All confiscated items will not be returned.