Alternative music fans in the UK are gearing up for what looks like an unforgettable summer as the Forever Now Festival is set to make its debut on June 22 2025, at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes. The festival, which has been created as a sister event to the much-celebrated Cruel World Festival, which has been held in Pasadena, South California since 2022, aims to celebrate the vibrant future of post-punk, new-wave alternative music.
The festival has an electrifying lineup of legendary artists. Headlining the event are pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk, who promise to deliver a mesmerising audiovisual performance, blending futuristic soundscapes and hypnotic beats with iconic tracks like ‘Autobahn’ and ‘The Model.’ Meanwhile, Billy Idol, with his legendary hits like ‘Rebel Yell’ and ‘White Wedding,’ will bring pure rock energy and nostalgia. Adding to the magic, the iconic Happy Mondays will bring their infectious Madchester grooves to the stage, delivering crowd-pleasers like ‘Step On’ and ‘Hallelujah’. Their blend of alternative rock, funk, and acid house will no doubt get people grooving. Together, these artists will create an incredible experience, making this festival a truly memorable celebration of music.
The festival is also offering more than just music. Forever Now is featuring The Echo Chamber, a unique stage dedicated to exploring the cultural movements and narratives behind the music. The stage has been curated by music journalist and musician John Robb and will host artist panels, interviews, and discussions which allow fans to feel connected to their favourite artists. The festival takes inspiration from its US counterpart, The Cruel World Festival, which has become a beloved gathering for fans of the genre in the US. Forever Now seeks to recreate that success in the UK, offering a platform that highlights the rich history of alternative music while also introducing new audiences to a range of acts.
@cruelworldfestival Cruel World lineup is here… passes on sale Fri Oct 25th #cruelworld #bluemonday ♬ original sound – cruelworldfest
Tickets for Forever Now go on presale on December 5, 2024. The general sale is set to be released on December 6, 2024. Tickets will include access to the festival’s main stages and activities and they are reported as a starting price of £85. VIP packages are also available, which offer enhanced experiences such as early entry and dedicated areas. Given the talk surrounding the lineup and the excitement of a sister festival, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
The festival is set in Milton Keynes’ iconic National Bowl, and with two primary music stages, the event promises to attract fans from across the UK. Forever Now is destined to be a stop-off for anyone passionate about individuality and creativity.
The festival blends legendary acts with newer voices whilst also allowing for cultural exploration in the alternative genre, Forever Now captures the timeless spirit of post-punk and alternative music. The introduction of this new festival ensures that the genre’s legacy continues to thrive for generations to come in the UK.
For any questions and updates, please visit the festival’s official website here.
For ticket information, you can click here.
