YUNGBLUD ON BLUDFEST 2025, ITS GLOBAL EXPANSION AND NEW ALBUM ‘IDOLS’
Yungblud with the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr James Lancaster - Copyright: Tom Pallant (Photo)
On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, we caught up with Yungblud during an exclusive Q&A event at the Craufurd Arms near Milton Keynes where Bludfest 2025 is set to take place on June 21. Here’s a round up of exciting updates the singer-songwriter shared with the audience:
BLUDFEST 2025 WILL BE BIGGER AND BETTER
This year’s edition is set to be ‘‘bigger and better’’, shared Yungblud. Whilst the inaugural event welcomed approximately 30,000 fans to the National Bowl in Milton Keynes last year, Bludfest 2025 will feature an extended 2nd stage, upped from 2,000 to 10,000, making the festival’s capacity even bigger this time around. The inclusive ‘Make A Friend’ tent, a designated space for solo attendees to connect and build a community, will double in size and the extended fairgrounds will also feature a giant Ferris wheel overlooking the festival grounds, offering fans a unique vantage point to watch the performances. ‘‘It’s going to be bigger, it’s going to be better, it’s going to be epic’’ shared the singer.
Yungblud - real name Dominic Harrison - also discussed the motivation behind offering audiences a multi-genre lineup featuring both rising talents and established artists.‘‘What is so sick about [Bludfest] is that we welcome new artists, new genres, new ideas and we’re all open to it, we’re here cause we want somewhere to go, somewhere to belong.’’ The 2025 lineup includes Yungblud, Chase Atlantic, blackbear, Denzel Curry, Rachel Chinouriri, JXDN, Peach PRC, Luvcat, Master Peace and Cliffords.
Addressing ticket prices, Harrison talked about his belief that artists ‘‘have a lot of power to make positive change and a positive impact’’, which was a motivation behind the creation of Bludfest. ‘‘I believe this is what my shows are worth, I need £65 to make it perfect, to make it work.’’ The festival capped ticket prices at £50 last year, with no additional VIP or upgrades available. For this year’s edition, prices have increased slightly, with tickets now available for £65. The singer also hopes Bludfest’s success will set a precedent and incite artists to make a change.
“I feel like a lot of people wanted it to fall flat on its face and it didn't - so for it to be back for its second year is amazing and it’s already going to be a lot bigger than last year.’’ shared the singer on the festival’s return.
Copyright: Tom Pallant (Photo)
BLUDFEST TO GO INTERNATIONAL in 2026
When asked about Bludfest’s future plans, Harrison revealed his intention to take the project beyond the UK, starting in 2026. While the exact location has yet to be announced, the singer dropped a hint with a playful '‘Bonjour,'‘ suggesting France as a likely destination.
Yungblud also revealed the potential for Bludfest to become a touring festival in the future. “My biggest dream is to do a world tour, a Bludfest festival world tour. Ten bands, all friends, alternating bills, alternating times, almost like rolling the dice when we go on. That would be a dream, a worldwide Bludfest festival, and I think that’s achievable,” shared the artist.
Copyright: Zachariah Mahrouche (Photo)
BLUDFEST AND THE NEW ALBUM IDOLS
The festival, which will be Yungblud’s only UK performance in 2025, will also be the opportunity to hear the new album Idols live for the first time, with its release coinciding with the festival’s date. ‘‘The first people I want to share [the album] with is you lot’’ shared Harrison, addressing fans in attendance. ‘‘I really wanted Idols to breathe Bludfest. I think it's just gonna be a beautiful week. It’s gonna be great to share that, the album's going to have been out a day, so you’ve gotta all cram it into your brains the night before.’’
“This album is really big. Sonically, I wanted to create a movie within a record, and there was no better way to showcase it and the size of it than at Milton Keynes’ Bowl.” he revealed. “Is it the album you think I would make? No, but it’s the only one I could have. I think it’s the only one that feels right”
In 2025, YUNGBLUD is embarking on a transformative phase in his career, marked by ambitious projects and a global tour. The singer’s fourth studio album, IDOLS, is set to release on June 20, 2025. This 12-track record, recorded in Leeds, delves into themes of identity and hero-worship. It represents the first part of a planned double album, with the second instalment's release date yet to be announced.
IDOLS out on June 20 via Capitol Records. Read our complete guide on Bludfest here.
