Y Not Festival, located in the heart of the Peak District, provides more than your average festival experience.
The scenery, paired with an endless array of activities, makes this festival a truly exceptional experience. Whether you’re 16 and looking for your first festival away from your parents, or an adult looking for a family getaway, Y Not Festival will be the best present under your tree this Christmas.
Regardless of its size compared to the likes of Reading and Leeds, and even Kendal Calling, Y Not always brings a showstopping lineup to Derbyshire. Previous years have hosted the legendary Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Jamiroquai, Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Prodigy and even Snoop Dogg. These headliners deliver standout performances, with the main stage having an impressive sound quality. While next year’s edition of the festival introduces industry legends like The Streets, Two Door Cinema Club, Reytons and The Libertines, Y Not also welcomes recurring favourites such as the iconic Lancashire Hotpots, Mr Motivator, and Barrioke.
Y Not is equally committed to platforming emerging talent. With the infamous ‘Scruff of the Neck’ and ‘Hog and Barrel’ stages showcasing upcoming talent every year, some of the most influential names in the industry now, such as Sam Fender and Fontaines D.C, have played some of the most intimate stages at Y Not. A visit to these breakout stages might just allow you to discover the next big name.
Despite its isolated location, Y Not is a safe environment - the arena area is conveniently close to campsites, and security is always thorough. Visiting Y Not as my first festival at 17 in 2022, I never felt daunted or vulnerable in its environment; welfare tents and help points are spread throughout the festival to ensure a smooth weekend for everyone.
Further, the variety of activities available makes it a unique weekend away with the family. Activities every year typically include a cinema room, a paint battle and fair rides, with even a specialised kid-friendly area in the arena. Y Not even hosts a dress-up day every year, with previous themes being Superheroes and Villains, and dressing as something beginning with Y,N,O or T.
Despite the sun setting and the headliners wrapping up their sets - the party does not stop for Y Not. The infamous Club Malibu returns every year with disco anthems and unstoppable vibes, going until the early hours of the morning. If that’s not your scene, late night dance acts – such as Faithless, Fish56Octagon and SHY FX – have been introduced in recent years, providing the perfect vibe for a genre switch up.
Even with all these incredible attributes to Y Not, many say the best thing about the festival is the close-knit aspect. A complete lack of mobile service at the festival forces a real sense of community, strengthening friendships and family connections throughout the weekend. Paired with its stunning scenery, the festival evokes a real sense of togetherness unlike any other festival in the UK.
Y Not Festival takes place on the 30th July – 2nd August.
Emma Monaghan
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