Facebook Slider

Festival Preview: Y-Not Festival 2015

  • Published in Live

Though now perched precariously atop a hill in Pikehall Derbyshire, Y-Not started life as a modest gathering of sixth formers in a quarry. Now playing host to thousands of punters annually, as well as the hundreds of bands which have graced its stages, Y-Not (along with sister site 2000 trees) has arguably gone on to become one of the best medium-sized festivals on the calendar.

It's been ten years this year since the fateful weekend in a quarry, and in order to celebrate, this year's line-up seeks to outdo anything the organisers have done thus far. With bands such as Augustines, Honeyblood and Jaws all joining the likes of Snoop Dogg, Basement Jaxx and Primal Scream who are headlining, it's clear that the festival isn't just indie-centric as many of their medium-sized contemporaries are; the Giant Squid stage in particular playing host to a burgeoning number of metal and post-hardcore acts like Pulled Apart By Horses, whilst the Allotment (previously hosting the likes of last year's Sunday headliner Frank Turner) offers those bands who are just starting out the chance to shine.

Like most festivals however, the music might be the main focus, but it isn't the be all and end all. The huge vistas on offer of the surrounding Peak District make for an imposing scene from which to enjoy the plethora of artisan food and drinks on offer, whilst the tongue in cheek tropicana of the Mussel Beach cocktail bar provides a welcome break from the gallons of beer inevitably being swilled.

Though ten years may have passed since the festival's very first iteration, it still manages to retain a definite feeling of intimacy, especially when compared to its larger, and less fiercely independent counterparts; a rare quality in an age where just about every festival stage is sponsored by one beverage or another. Thankfully this feeling of independence is something which bleeds through from the festival's ethos and in to its crowds, allowing for a wholly diverse, and utterly irresistible weekend away from the posturing and Instagramming that plagues other events. A perfect way to spend the last weekend of July.

This year's Y-Not Festival falls on the 31st July to the 2nd of August. Tickets for which can be bought here.

Read more...
Subscribe to this RSS feed