Set in the typically serene rolling hills of England's Peak District National Park, with the Neolithic tombs at Minninglow overseeing it, Y Not could be regarded as one of the most beautiful festivals in the UK. It spans four days from Thursday to Sunday, but we attended for just 24 hours.
We arrived late on Friday night, just in time to experience an electrifying, laser-lit performance from The Prodigy. The atmosphere was almost magical, with strands of lights extending across the dark fields, multiple tented stages vying for attention, dry ice smoke wafting through the air, and a ferris wheel slowly turning overhead.
Saturday was a highlight of Y Not, featuring a dramatic performance by The Last Dinner Party and a lively headline act by Courteeners on the main stage. Earlier in the day, all the festival’s stages showcased impressive lineups, with memorable moments happening in rapid succession.
The Quarry, Y Not's secondary stage, kicked off Saturday with an exciting performance by Nottingham's Set In Motion. The band, dressed in white T-shirts, delivered their unique blend of melodic and euphoric alt-rock, setting an engaging tone. As 'Flying Too High' began, beach balls were tossed into the crowd, creating a joyful festival atmosphere. They continued with several more emotive songs, concluding with their older hit, 'Break Free'. Following them, the harder-edged Nottingham band, Dirt Bloom, took the stage as local band April Tapes wrapped up their set on the main stage.
Shortly after, The Allotment hosted a couple of standout performances. Drew Thomas brought such an energetic presence during his half-hour set that it felt like he could energize an entire festival campsite. He was fully immersed in his performance, delivering an intense and upbeat show with hardly any breaks. Every song resonated well, but 'Gemini' stood out, showcasing Thomas' precise vocals amidst his passionate delivery.
After a stage reset, it was time for Dictator, a West Lothian group that seamlessly blends indie-pop and rock with hip hop. They played to an audience that included members of the emerging folk-fusion group Brogeal, who had just finished their own vibrant set at The Quarry. Dictator proved they deserved a larger stage, with live trumpet adding to the atmosphere and vocalist Michael Campbell exuding confidence. Their song 'Rubik's Cube' featured two audience members trying unsuccessfully to solve the puzzles, endearing the younger one to the crowd, who won a Dictator sticker.
Before diving into their next track, Michael declared, “We stand for peace and love and the ability to do what we’re doing now – and that’s all we’re allowed to say,” then launched into the overtly political 'Enough Is Enough,' followed by the infectious beats of 'HO7', wrapping up an exhilarating set.
Earlier on the main stage, before the headliners began, Sigrid returned with great energy after nearly two years without new music.
Accompanied by a talented band of jazz musicians, she gave a stellar performance. The latter part of her set featured impressive guitar solos from Sondre Berg Abrahamsen, with bassist/keyboard player Liva Sværen providing solid support. The bass was well-balanced in the mix, delivering a rich sound that complemented Sigrid's unmistakable vocals. She sounded fresh and powerful, particularly during ‘Sucker Punch’ (a highlight for singalongs), along with hits like ‘Mirror’ and ‘Strangers’. The track ‘Never Mine’ was a surprising standout, a pulsating anthem that also led into band member introductions and an excellent guitar solo.
Sigrid also showcased new material, with ‘Do It Again’ being triumphant and liberated, featuring a fuzzy bass-driven breakdown, while the recent release ‘Jellyfish’ brought pure enjoyment, inspiring playful dancing among the crowd.
This performance marked a successful comeback for Sigrid, likely boosting her confidence as she looks forward to further releases – perhaps even a new album on the horizon. It also created a great festival vibe, gathering a diverse crowd of fans and curious onlookers to enjoy an hour of carefree entertainment.
There was still more to come as Y Not moved into its final day, featuring performances from fresh talents like Better Joy and Cliffords, alongside established favorites such as Franz Ferdinand and Madness. However, our 24 hours at the festival provided an abundance of unforgettable moments, illustrating just how special a festival experience can be.
Words: Phil Taylor
Photography: Jake Haseldine, Izzy Challoner
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Located in the typically serene rolling hills of England's Peak District National Park and overlooked by the ancient Neolithic tombs at Minninglow, Y