A new one-day festival Forever Now, a sister event of the US’ Cruel World festival, is to launch next summer in Milton Keynes.
The inaugural event will showcase alternative music, fashion and literature and will be held at the city’s National Bowl on June 22.
No names have yet been announced for the festival, but fans are promised an event that explores “the darker underbelly of creativity, from new wave to post-punk, psychedelia and alt-rock”.
Tickets will go on pre-sale on December 5, with a limited first release ticket available from £85. General sale will begin at 10am on December 6. Find further ticket information here.
Forever Now: the ultimate one-day festival
The UK sister event to the critically acclaimed US festival, Cruel World. This summer, bringing the best of new wave, post-punk, psychedelia, and alt-rock to Milton Keynes. 🎸✨Sign up for presale access at https://t.co/uG1SCnC1la 👉 pic.twitter.com/J91ntB1Aom
— Forever Now (@forevernowuk) November 27, 2024
Forever Now will have three stages of music, one of which, The Echo Chamber, will be hosted by the music journalist John Robb. “The world just got less cruel with this announcement of the Forever Now festival that brings the cream of the post-punk crop to Milton Keynes this summer, mixing the old, new, borrowed and blue in a line-up of classic and cutting edge,” Robb has said.
“If you feel a nostalgia for an age yet to come whilst still seeking the classic and have a curiosity for the next wave, then this will be a day to get immersed in.”
Steve Homer, CEO of festival organiser AEG has said: “We are delighted to present a festival that reflects the rich heritage of artists in the alternative music field. The day will feature some amazing artists, unique sets, and collaborations not seen on a UK stage before. As the birthplace of alt counterculture, the UK is the perfect home for a festival to pay homage to alternative creative artistry.’’
Cruel World Festival has been going since 2022, based in Pasadena, California. Next year’s edition will take place on May 17, 2025, with headliners New Order and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Tickets are on sale now and you can find yours here.
Previous iterations of the rock, new wave and post-punk festival have included performances by Morrissey, Blondie, Iggy Pop and Billy Idol.
