George Ward
Freelance journalist and online editor for CLUNK. Can be found out and about in Bristol, finding cheap records or having a pint on King Street.
Taking place over 4 days next week in Bristol’s Stokes Croft, here are our picks for Down Stokes Festival 2025
Down Stokes Festival will return to Bristol next week, taking place over 4 days from 16th-19th October in various venues in Stokes Croft and beyond. From local favourites to buzzy outsiders, Down Stokes is a hidden gem in Bristol’s growing lineup of community festivals.
Thursday 16th October will see Down Stokes kicking off at the Full Moon and Attic Bar, with dreamy performances from Mild Orange, Magic Shoppe and Pocket Sun. On Friday, we’ll be treated to a free show from Farfisa, before a huge day on Saturday, featuring Opus Kink, Heavy Lungs, and many more.
On Sunday, you can head to Trinity Centre to catch Wine Lips, The Bug Club and Dreamwave.
Opus Kink
Opus Kink have long been favourites over at CLUNK. With their blend of post punk, jazz rock and art punk, the band set fire to every festival they play. Opus Kink are known for their huge horn solos and irresistible build ups, masters of keeping the audience exactly where they want them.
With two EPs under their belt and new single ‘I’m A Pretty Showboy’ out this year, you’ve still got time to catch Opus Kink before they reach the heights they deserve. Catch them on Saturday 18th October.
The Bug Club
We love The Bug Club! Making their way to Bristol from Wales, The Bug Club’s no-nonsense sound combines slacker rock, power pop and old school rock n roll into insanely catchy, sub-3-minute bangers. We’ve caught them at every festival we’ve been to recently and, once you see how fun they are, we’re sure we’ll be seeing you at each one too.
The Bug Club’s new album ‘Very Human Features’ is out now, give it a listen before their set at Trinity Centre on Sunday 19th October.
Broadsheets
If you want something a little darker and weirder, look no further than Broadsheets. After catching them at The Lanes for Dot To Dot 2025, we haven’t stopped thinking about their heavy, moody sound. With jittery rhythms, foreboding atmospheres and electronic experimentation, they’re one of the most exciting up-and-coming Bristol bands.
Have a listen to their debut EP ‘Archipelago’ here before their set on Saturday.
The Roebucks
From Brighton, we have the lovely Roebucks. Their sound blends indie rock, americana and some folk pop into a gorgeously warm concoction. In our interview with them, they revealed that their favourite songs to play live are the ones where they can ‘really go for it’, so we can’t wait to catch this in the flesh.
There’ll be plenty of mosh pits and experimentation over the weekend, so if it all gets a bit much, head on over to see The Roebucks. You have our word that they’ll take you in with open arms. Read our interview here to get you in the mood.
Full set times and tickets are available here. We’ll see you Down Stokes.
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