Y Not Festival

Y Not Festival, held annually in Pikehall, Derbyshire, is renowned for its line-up of local and national bands, artists and performers who have managed to stay relevant and idolised through the decades alongside those who are paving their way in the music industry. It spans Thursday to Sunday and attract forty thousand music lover, young and older, who are eager to witness performances from some of the best names in music.

Thursday
Thursday at Y NOT saw a whole host of stars grace the stages of Pikehall. Scouting for Girls were one of the biggest stars to play first on this day with a set of their songs through the ages. We got to enjoy ‘Posh Girls’, ‘She’s So Lovely’, ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and whole load more during their set of keyboard numbers and funky riffs wishing each of the festival goers off to a great weekend.

During the Thursday, Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs made the stage their own with a set of ruthless riffs, banging beats and sheer indie throwbacks transporting all us mentally and spiritually back the simpler times aka the naughties. We got to enjoy hits such as ‘I Predict a Riot’, ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less’ which sent the crowd bouncing, pints flying and I’m sure straining a sh*t loads of vocal chords as groups of loved ones grouped together to belt out every line.

Friday
As Friday rolled around I’m sure there were a hell of a lot of sore heads including my own after Thursday night’s kick-off celebration but this didn’t stop us all from getting our best festival gear on and flocking down to arena.

A big highlight for me personally on the Friday was Youth Killed It who played The Allotment stage. The tent may not have been completely packed out but the band stormed the stage with sheer energy and passion belting out a song I’ve longed to hear live which was ‘Islands’, and I suspect others were in my position as many were singing along with the band. Youth Killed It also covered ‘Song 2’ by indie legends Blur which was lapped up by this tent of music lovers who bounced and bounded around throughout the track.

Another band who I’ve longed to see live also smashed their set on the Friday and no surprises there when you come to see a seasoned band like The Kooks. Thousands trecked down to the main stage to see these four play songs which have been adored through the ages including ‘She Moves in Her Own Way’, ‘Bad Habit’ and ‘Naïve’ with precision in every single instrumental and a stage presence of confidence shining through.

Saturday
As Saturday rolled around I feel like the sense of tension and excitement really did start to grow in the air as the day punters arrived to fill up the crowd further.

My absolute utter highlight of the weekend also came like a wrecking ball on this day in the form of a Pale Waves set on the main stage. The band had a set filled of fan favourites like ‘Television Romance’, new ones which have been incredibly well received like ‘Perfume’ and even some which they play less live which were a nice surprise ‘You’re so Vain’. Those rocky riffs of punk perfection felt like I was transported to another universe: complete escapism. If this wasn’t already brilliant enough I had the pleasure of meeting Heather Barron Gracie backstage who couldn’t have been more lovely and genuine making this experience a million times more special for me.

On this day we also got to enjoy a headliner set of Declan McKenna who has really found his feet on stage with a commanding but passionate presence. It’s so clear when Declan plays that he loves the art he creates and it really is a beautiful scene to watch as I danced around belting out ‘British Bombs’ with my mates. Jamie T also headlined the main stage on this day and seemed politer then his Tramlines set the previous weekend and definitely made sure his and the crowds high intensity energy was mirrored.

Sunday
Sunday funday sadly came around to quickly and many of the crowd looked if nothing but cream cracked as they dragged their exhausted bodies down to the arena for one last hoorah.

During the Sunday the most notable acts were The Vaccines who simply never, ever fail to disappoint with a set of joyous tracks including ‘I Can’t Quit’, ‘Headphones Baby’ and ‘If You Wanna’. Justin Hayward-Young never failed on his stage presence and completely always seems ready to go with the crowd but with an air of swagger and showmanship that every frontman should take note of.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds were our festival closers with a whole host of Oasis fan favourites including ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, ‘Little by Little’, and ‘Half the World Away’. He also brought some of his solo stuff including ‘If I Had a Gun…’ and he put on a brilliant performance. He’s a pro no doubt about it, but for me – he’s just not Liam.

Overall it was a sublime festival, full of brilliant acts and perfect organisation which meant each and every one of us had a great time.