Forever Now Festival: A Deep Dive into the UK’s Newest Alternative Music Extravaganza
Forever Now Festival, presented by AEG Presents, is poised to become a landmark event for fans of alternative culture, post-punk, new wave, and beyond. Scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, this one-day spectacle will transform the iconic National Bowl in Milton Keynes into a vibrant hub of sound, style, and conversation.
Billed as the UK sister event to the hugely successful US festival Cruel World, Forever Now promises to be more than just a music concert. It’s a celebration of the dark, creative spirit that defined the alternative music, fashion, and literature scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s. This inaugural edition aims to explore the enduring legacy and ongoing influence of these pivotal movements, bringing together legendary artists and passionate fans in an immersive experience.
The Epicenter of Alternative Sound: Stages and Lineup
At the heart of Forever Now will be its meticulously curated musical program, spanning three distinct stages. While two stages will host an incredible array of live performances, the third, The Echo Chamber, promises a unique intellectual and artistic dimension. Hosted by renowned music journalist John Robb, The Echo Chamber will feature intimate discussions and conversations with some of the most influential figures from the post-punk, gothic rock, and new wave eras. Expect to hear captivating insights from guests such as Rat Scabies, Martha Davis, Mark Burgess, Terri Nunn, Kirk Brandon, Stan Stammers, and Richard Jobson, offering a rare glimpse into the minds behind the music. Fans even have the opportunity to submit questions for the artists via the Forever Now Facebook page.
The musical lineup itself is a dream come true for aficionados of alternative and experimental sounds. Headlining the festival are none other than the electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, whose innovative work continues to resonate across genres. They are joined by a phenomenal roster of artists, including the enigmatic The The, the charismatic rock ‘n’ roll icon Billy Idol, and the legendary Death Cult.
Further enriching the bill are guitar virtuoso Johnny Marr, the gothic crooner Peter Murphy, the psychedelic trailblazers Psychedelic Furs, and the influential Scottish band The Jesus and Mary Chain. The party-starting Happy Mondays will bring their unique blend of funk and alternative rock, alongside punk stalwarts The Damned and the ever-provocative Public Image Ltd.
The festival also welcomes the synth-pop legends Berlin, the theatrical Theatre of Hate, the dark romanticism of She Wants Revenge, the atmospheric post-punk of Chameleons, and the new wave sounds of The Motels. Rounding out this stellar lineup is the gritty punk rock of UK Decay, ensuring a diverse yet cohesive musical journey through the alternative landscape. This impressive collection of artists underscores the festival’s commitment to delivering a truly authentic and comprehensive alternative music experience.
Venue and Travel: Milton Keynes Bowl
The chosen setting for Forever Now Festival is the famed National Bowl in Milton Keynes. This large amphitheater-style arena has a rich history, opening in the early 1980s and becoming a pivotal outdoor venue in the UK. Capable of accommodating up to 65,000 people, its unique sloping landscape provides excellent views for audiences, ensuring a memorable atmosphere for every attendee. The Bowl has hosted global superstars like Queen, David Bowie, and Bon Jovi, making it an ideal location for a festival of this magnitude and legacy.
For convenient and sustainable travel to the festival, Big Green Coach has been appointed as the official coach travel partner. They offer reliable day return coach services from a wide array of UK cities, including London (Victoria Clermont), Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Chelmsford, Colchester, Coventry, Derby, Ipswich, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield, Southampton, and many more. These carbon-neutral coaches are designed to get attendees to the venue before the music starts and ensure a safe return journey once the show concludes, promoting an eco-friendly festival experience.
Tickets and Exclusive Experiences
Tickets for Forever Now Festival are available through official ticketing partners AXS and Ticketmaster. For those seeking an elevated festival experience, Mark Butler Associates offers an exclusive Premium VIP Hospitality package. Priced at £625 plus VAT per person, this premium offering includes:
- VIP ticket entry up to an hour before general gate time (12:00 PM)
- Access to an exclusive viewing area
- Dedicated VIP entrance
- Delectable food offerings, including bowl foods, canapes, festival food stations, and an ice-cream parlour
- A complimentary bar serving Prosecco, wines, beer, spirits, and soft drinks
- A dedicated VIP garden area with ample seating
- Exclusive dedicated facilities and a cloakroom
- A souvenir programme and VIP wristband
- Event documentation sent in advance
For out-of-town attendees, Event Travel also provides convenient Hotel + Ticket Packages, allowing for a seamless and comfortable festival weekend.
Connect with Forever Now
Stay up-to-date with all the latest announcements and behind-the-scenes content by following Forever Now Festival on their official social media channels:
- Instagram: @forevernow_festival
- Facebook: Forever Now Festival UK
- X (Twitter): @forevernowuk
- TikTok: @forevernowfestival
Additionally, for a chance to win a pair of tickets to this must-attend event, kpop over to Louder Than War, who are running a competition with a closing date of noon on Monday, June 9th, 2025.
Forever Now Festival is shaping up to be a truly special event for 2025, offering a unique blend of iconic musical performances, engaging discussions, and a celebration of alternative culture. Mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in the dark, creative spirit of a generation!
