FORWARDS Festival

Forwards 2025 is tbc...

Forwards is held at Clifton Down in Bristol.

Yes, you must be 18+ to attend Forwards. Valid ID may be required.

Forwards Festival has the following accessible provisions at the festival:

- Personal Assistant / Companion Ticket

- Viewing Platforms 

- Accessible Parking

- Accessible Toilets 

- Lowered Bar Areas

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

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

You can book Forwards Festival accessibility provisions using the following information:

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 tand then complete the ACCESSIBILITY FORM by selecting the facilities you wish to use. 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, they 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 them at accessibility@teamlove.org or call 0117 9411611.

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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 2023. Information Packs will be sent out to anyone who has successfully registered during the week before the event.

FORWARDS Festival 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

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

Assistance Dogs

FORWARDS 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.

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.

Unfortunately we can’t issue you with a refund if you can’t make the event due to work commitments or your mates have dropped out. In these circumstances, we advise passing on your tickets privately to avoid losing out on the money spent. Refunds can only be offered if the event is cancelled or postponed, as agreed upon purchase.

It's a shame you can't join in this year, but don't worry! Forwards have a dedicated Tixel page for safe and secure fan-to-fan reselling. Check it out here (link: https://tixel.com/uk/forwards-tickets)

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)

There will be 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)

To keep pick up and drop off running smoothly, the following roads will be closed on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of September (the festival days):

• Stoke Road junction with Roman Road
• Ladies Mile
• Circular Road
• Downleaze 
• Church Road
• Hazelwood Road
• Julian Road
• Ivywell Road

Stoke Road, Ladies Mile and Circular Road will be closed from 08:00 until 00:00 on the 1st & 2nd of September. Closures will be staffed by stewards.

Event-related traffic and emergency services will be allowed through these closures, and Bristol Zoo overflow parking traffic will be allowed through the Ladies Mile/A4176 closure. Zoo to be contacted and route signed.

The following junctions will be restricted to protect local residents from traffic issues:

• Downleaze junctions with Stoke Hill
• Downleaze and Saville Road 
• Stoke Park Road South junction with Stoke Hill
• Church Road junction with Stoke Hill
• Church Avenue junction with Stoke Hill

Yes! A dedicated Shuttle bus service will be picking up from 11:30 until 19:00 at frequent intervals (at least every 10 minutes), picking up from Bristol Temple Meads and Queen's Square on Prince Street (just outside Broad Quay) and dropping off approximately 800m from the festival gate (What3Words: Oval.Flat.Cages)

See the festival's website to purchase tickets in advance and save money.

Yes! Forwards has partnered with Big Green Coach company. Find more details at https://www.forwardsbristol.co.uk/faqs.

The Voi park will be located beside the Taxi/Uber pickup point on Ladies mile, approximately 500m from the festival gate (What3Words: Cowboy.Roses.Units.) Please note that Voi use will only be available travelling to the festival as they will not be available after the festival finishes.