BLUDFEST 2025: MILTON KEYNES BOWL, UK
Bludfest 2025 - A sequel to the most iconic festival
words by Caitlyn Finkelstein
June 21st marked as the hottest day of the year for the UK, and a monumental day for alternative music lovers as Bludfest made its return for a second year.
Bludfest began just last year, a concept created by Doncaster born rocker, Yungblud (Dominic Harrison) as a way to push back against the commercialisation of standard festival culture. The day provides an affordable and accessible experience for fans, equipped with unique amenities such as the iconic “Make a Friend Tent” and gives lesser-known artists the opportunity to perform on a busking stage in the middle of the setup.
Bludfest creates its own universe, with the recreations of the iconic Camden Pub “The Hawley Arms”, Props from music video shoots and album covers ((Note the iconic ‘Weird’ Wall) and the “Yungblud Village” which, this year, included an Idols Exhibition featuring interactive experiences for guests where they could write their own Idols on the wall (Possibly a clever play to the line “Idols on the Wall” from ‘Idols pt.II’ ) and a photobooth. From the mini fairground to the photo opportunities, everything interactive is free, meaning that all guests are able to experience the festival to the fullest.
As fans of all ages fled into Milton Keynes Bowl, anticipation was high, with guests walking around with a sense of wonder at the unique world created around them. With a few hours before the live acts started, everybody made the most of the attractions, forming lines for photo opportunities and the other interactive experiences. It was clear how much thought had been put into even the smallest details of the festival, as the carnival games had been tailored to the aesthetic, with black skeleton ducks featuring in the “hook-a-duck” booth, and the drinks cups being customised for the event, not a single thing was missed.
The outfits from both visitors and performers alike were phenomenal, as people were able to express their authentic selves, from elaborate, carefully curated festival style outfits to a classic pink socks and chains combination (a true Yungblud show essential), everybody looked showstopping.
The line-up for the day did not miss, with icons such as Cliffords, Nieve Ella and Headliner Rachel Chinouriri taking over stage two, while Blackbear, Nxdia and Chase Atlantic owned the main stage before the main man himself made his appearance. Despite being her first festival headline, it’s safe to say that Rachel absolutely smashed it as crowds of fans gathered to watch her performance before heading to the main stage to see what Yungblud had in store.
Despite being what could be considered an uncomfortably warm day, energy was brought to the bowl from those on and off stage as Yungblud gave the performance of a lifetime, owning the stage as he gave songs from his new album Idols their festival debut, along with bringing back some classics such as ‘Parents’ and even ‘Tin Pan Boy’. Guests were left standing in shock amazement as icon Billy Idol took to the stage as this year’s chosen “Icon slot” to perform a rendition of ‘White Wedding’ alongside Yungblud and his band. The duo was totally unexpected, and I think it would be safe to the say, one of the highlights of the festival for most as the pair seemed completely natural in their combined stage presence.
Overall, Bludfest year two was a massive success, and there is so much to be said for the smaller details not mentioned such as the range of accessibility considerations, and the increase in organisation since year 1- the smaller things that make the world of difference in a festival setting. The sense of community created within Bludfest is truly unmatched, and the perfect representation of how live music can bring people together. With a rising increase in popularity in just its second year, Bludfest will no doubt become a valued tradition for many within the community.