Y Not Festival returns with three massive headliners (Photo: Jack Kirby)
So, here we are. Pikehall, Derbyshire. Home of the now 10 year old Y Not Festival. What started as a birthday party, steadily grew into one of the best small festivals in the UK.
With tickets flying out faster than ever before, YNot is shaping up to be even bigger this year. And that’s shown in the line upthis year. It reflects the ambition behind the festival.
Crowds flocked to last years festival (Photo: Jack Kirby)
Snoop Dogg headlines Friday night, which in itself, is reason enough to splash the cash (which is less than £100, a rarity for festivals) Coming off the release of his 13th album; BUSH, Snoop is guaranteed to be a highlight of any festival this year. But the return of Super Furry Animals is pretty big news, and a massive reason to be excited. But if Snoop, Super Furry Animals, Young Guns and Reverend and the Makers don’t float your boat, The Giant Squid holds a boisterous line up for your pleasure, with Pulled Apart by Horses, WoahNows and Brawlers all taking the stage to offer a different experience. And if THAT doesn’t tickle your pickle, The Quarry stage is there for your enjoyment. With Less Than Jake and Public Service Broadcasting taking that stage, there is literally something for everyone.
Saturday hosts another giant act. Basement Jaxx will be taking the stage with their tour de force of a long career in dance music. But before that, Birmingham’s own Ocean Colour Scene will be playing their own career spanning set. Amongst others playing The Main Stage, are rock up and comers, Deaf Havana, and Jaws. Just another example of how YNot is all about variety. Over in The Quarry, We Are Scientists will be tearing up the tent, with the set bound to include hits from across their discography, and their almost standard level of “banter” (I really hate that word) that is not only hilarious, but smart and rarely offends. The Giant Squid will hold Don Broco, a band that is currently storming the airwaves with their brand of catchy hooks and big choruses, which, when tied in with their massive energy, makes for a massive show. Also on that stage will be Hacktivist, Allusondrugs, and the always entertaining Fearless Vampire Killers. Look out for those bands.
Y Not hosts a multitude of genres (Photo: Jack Kirby)
Sunday. Usually, Sunday is the slowest day. But not this time. Sunday keeps the tempo going. On the Giant Squid, Lower Than Atlantis, We Are The Ocean and Zoax, amid others will be taking it up a notch, with metal and heavy rock taking priority over there, whilst The Quarry plays host to Nick Mulvey, Indiana and Ruen Brothers, for those who prefer a slightly softer sound. The Main Stage, on the other hand, is an Indie explosion, ending in former The Smiths’ guitarist, “Godlike Genius” (NME) Johnny Marr setting up for rock giants, Primal Scream. This band are veterans of the Festival circuit, and are guaranteed to bring a big bang to end YNot.
Not many festivals have an extra day. YNot are different. 4 days of music. Last year, on the Thursday, Goldie Looking Chain were headlining. This year, it’s Ash. YNot get a big name to play on a Thursday? Its almost unheard of, even by those big festivals. There is your ambition. This festival looks like the scrappy little underdog, dropping pipebombs and delivering powerbombs to the big boys, making sure that they don’t miss YNot, and have to up their game to get even close to the high standard set around YNot. Even the food and drink tents are of a good standard, which is another rarity for a festival. You can’t afford to miss out on YNot.
Frank Turner closing the festival last year (Photo: Jack Kirby)
All in all, YNot is setting itself up to explode, and the 8000 capacity will absolutely adore it. Last years headliners include Frank Turner, who writes about the festival when he played in 2009, with much fondness and respect. So there you have it, a festival loved by both the Punters and the artists. Get yourself a ticket, and become a regular yourself.With artists the like of Snoop Dogg, Primal Scream, and Basement Jaxx headliningYNot 2015, it’s clear that YNot is going to get bigger and better in years to come.
Adam Reynolds
