Bludfest Returns: Yungblud’s Affordable Music Festival Makes a Powerful Comeback

Author: Lina Nafie

After being a huge hit in 2024, Bludfest returned for its second year this weekend in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, once again bringing together music fans from across the globe. The music and arts festival, founded by singer-songwriter Yungblud, was created in response to rising ticket prices and aims to be both affordable and accessible. Held from 21–22 June 2025, the festival initially attracted 30,000 attendees in 2024 with tickets priced at £50 ($104AUD). This year prices ranged from £65 ($135AUD) to £125 ($260AUD), reflecting the expansion of the event, which included a larger second stage and more attractions.

Yungblud openly addressed the logistical issues from the previous edition, particularly long queues and security delays, and has taken greater control of the organisation this year to improve both safety and efficiency. “We needed more gates open, and security was overwhelmed,” he explained. “This year, things are much more within my control, and it’s really important to me to take security seriously. It’s my festival, it’s my name on it, and I want to be in charge of it.”

Beyond the logistics, Yungblud emphasised the importance of creating a space that fosters genuine connection among fans and keeps live music inclusive. With the cost of attending gigs climbing steadily, particularly affecting younger audiences, the artist’s goal has always been to put his fanbase first. “This is why we keep the tickets low—so that everyone can come,” he said. Many fans praised the event’s affordability compared to other festivals, where ticket prices “are shooting through the roof.” One attendee, returning for a second year, told the BBC: “He represents a lot of us who get treated differently, and he’s made me feel free to be myself.”

With a line-up featuring JXDN, Blackbear, Denzel Curry, and Rachel Chinouriri, Yungblud succeeded once again in attracting thousands of fans from across the UK—and as far away as Canada.

The BBC reported that 51% of people in the UK said high ticket prices had prevented them from attending a gig at least once in the past five years. Among younger audiences, that number rises even more sharply. Yungblud expressed concern that live music is becoming increasingly inaccessible, saying: “I couldn’t see myself playing at a festival where the ticket is £800. When I pitched the idea to organisers, a lot of people didn’t take me seriously. That’s why I decided to start my own—to make a positive impact.”

Yungblud’s commitment to making music accessible again is more than a personal ambition—it’s a call to the industry. “I feel like music has become a thing of privilege, and that should never be the case,” he said. This statement has echoed across social media, where many fans—particularly in Australia—have confirmed they’re less able to afford concert tickets, making live music increasingly reserved for those with financial means. Meanwhile, smaller local bands and artists are the ones suffering the most.
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Bludfest may be a festival, but it also symbolises a movement—a return to music for the people. Whether you're a fan, a fellow artist, or simply someone who believes in the cultural power of live performance, Yungblud’s initiative stands as a reminder that music should be inclusive, inspiring, and above all, within reach.