Bludfest review: Yungblud is the champion of his people
Bludfest is the first attempt at Yungblud dipping his toe into creating something bigger for the fandom he has built and adores. While it wasn't perfect by any means, the passion he incited from his dedicated audience was more than I expected. Read the full review below.
On a scorching Sunday, thousands descended on the iconic Milton Keynes Bowl for the inaugural Bludfest, a festival envisioned and headlined by 27-year-old Yungblud. With tickets priced at just £49.50, it was a defiant gesture towards an industry that increasingly makes cheap tickets unattainable.
Yet, despite its intent, Bludfest had a rocky start. Under the relentless summer sun, fans found themselves stuck in a painfully long queue with no information from organisers about when they might gain entry. It was an unfortunate beginning, especially as its star, Dom Harrison, knew the industry was watching with interest.
For those attendees who endured, however, the payoff was worth it; entering the festival was like stepping into a twisted, punk-rock theme park. The welcome arch was guarded by a massive red duck in a choker, leading to a world drenched in Yungblud’s signature pink and black euphoria – even the bins were on brand.
Everywhere you looked the infamous “cult of Yungblud” was in full swing, with fans dressed in outfits straight from the star’s playbook – white shirts, braces, black ties and of course, chains. The security guards also sported Bludfest-branded bucket hats, blending into the meticulously crafted atmosphere.
It was all designed to make fans feel part of something bigger – an extension of Yungblud’s identity. The site included a tent dedicated to production plans, giving fans a peek into how the magic happens and an exhibition on Yungblud himself. While the latter is perhaps on some level self-indulgent, the massive turnout suggested Yungblud was giving his fans what they craved: a closer look into the world of the Doncaster lad they idolise.
This insight into his world continued at The Hawley Arms, a replica of Yungblud’s favourite Camden Pub, situated in the middle of the Milton Keynes field. Those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time witnessed the star of the show make an appearance to pull a pint, of course, igniting a flurry of chaos – just how he likes it.
It wasn’t just about the spectacle, however - the music played its part too. The second stage, while a brilliant idea in theory, didn't quite live up to expectations. Despite featuring a star-studded line-up of some of the industry's rising stars, including Jazmin Bean, Noah Finnce, and Landon Barker, it was tucked away and difficult to access.
Meanwhile, over on the main stage punk legends The Damned, added a layer of history to the day's proceedings while Soft Play brought with their raw, unfiltered energy. Lil Yachty, a surprise addition to the bill, embraced the odd pairing, rallying the crowd with, “I know this is a bit different for y’all, but I want to see you jump. I’ve only got 30 minutes, can you do that for me?” urging everyone to join in with his unique vibe, and warming them up for the main event in the process.
As the sun finally dipped, there was only one way to get the show started - with an earnest introduction from Yungblud on what and why Bludfest came about. Eagerness grew as Yungblud passionately said in the pre-recorded clip: “I want people to lose their heads. I want them to know that this is the one place in the world where you can go as crazy as you want and no one’s going to judge you for it.”
With that, he stormed onto the stage roaring; “GET THE F**K UP!” before he ripped through “Superdeadfriends” with relentless energy, matched by ferocious pyrotechnics. This was his moment–the biggest day of his career–and he wasn’t going to let it slip.
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As he powered through a setlist packed with hits “FUNERAL,” “Anarchist,” and “Lowlife” even the youngest fans (some barely six years old) were belting out lyrics. Alongside their parents, it was a multigenerational affair where no one was too cool or too old to lose themselves in the music - just as Dom suggested in his opening lines.
And whatever Yungblud demanded, the crowd complied with. “WIDER! WIDER” he screamed as they clapped, jumped and chanted at his command – even those on the far edges of the bowl were up and dancing. It was a performance that solidified his place as a modern-day rockstar—not in the self-destructive sense of the term, but as someone who channels that energy into a show that leaves no one standing still.
“LOOK AT WHAT WE’VE DONE,” he cried, celebrating the community he’s built in just seven years. Despite the entrance issues and a lacklustre second stage, these mishaps paled in comparison to the event itself.
As the night drew to a close with the anthem “Loner” Dom had done what he set out to do; provide a day of entertainment, put a middle finger up to the critics and deliver exactly what his fans wanted.
Bludfest was a day for those who regularly find themselves on the fringes of society, standing side-to-side with people just like them. This was their day, and Yungblud was their champion.
