Nestled in the Derbyshire countryside, Y Not has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s fastest-growing festivals.
The 2024 edition electrified the Peak District this August, attracting over 25,000 music enthusiasts from across the country for a weekend of unforgettable performances. With a stellar, if somewhat familiar, line-up of internationally acclaimed headliners and vibrant local talent, the festival has solidified its place in the UK festival calendar in recent years.
Friday’s line-up sets the tone for the weekend with an explosion of energy. Soft Play – the punk duo formerly known as Slaves – storm the stage with visceral intensity, leaving an indelible mark on the day’s proceedings. Their performance is raw, chaotic, and brimming with passion. Opening with the provocative declaration ‘Punk’s Dead,’ Soft Play let everyone know who they are – quite literally. They deliver a set that feels like a riotous wake for the genre, packed with ferocious new tracks and crowd-pleasers alike.
The evening continues with The Kooks, who, perhaps due to their seasoned status at Y Not, deliver a set that feels somewhat recycled. While their familiarity with the festival is evident, their performance lacks the spark of excitement and, at times, they appear almost increasingly bored.
Headliners Snow Patrol take to the main stage to deliver a powerful performance that resonates through the Derbyshire hills. Led by the charismatic Gary Lightbody, the band debut their new single ‘The Beginning’ alongside crowd favourites like ‘Run’ and ‘Chasing Cars’, and the ensuing singalong to these hits stands as testament to the band’s enduring appeal.
A (not-so) quick trek to the Quarry stage leads to Nottingham’s Jake Bugg, who brings his folk-rock storytelling to the fore. As blue flares light up the audience, enveloping the front of the stage in a smoky mist, Bugg proves to be an excellent frontman, balancing indie spontaneity with a seasoned festival familiarity. The atmosphere never falters, with the audience hanging on every nuance and every word.
Saturday maintains the Y Not’s momentum, featuring a diverse array of performances that keep festival-goers energised. Pale Waves inject the day with their goth-influenced indie pop, delivering a tight, flawless set that has fans singing along. Headliner Jamie T, however, proves to be surprisingly, and disappointingly, lacklustre. His two decades of experience is evident with a rehearsed professionalism, but his set lacks any true spontaneity, and any true joy.
Beyond the big names, Y Not also shines a spotlight on local talent. The BBC Introducing stage further highlights this focus; with up-and-coming artists like Venus Grrrls, Marseille, and Lissy Taylor leaving a lasting impression with their dynamic performances. This stage, renowned for providing a platform for new talent, is a hub of discovery for festival-goers eager to find the ‘next big thing’ in British music.
Next, we visit Shadows of a Silhouette, who complete a hat-trick of appearances at the festival. After performing on the main stage, The Big Gin, last year, they return to headline the Hog and Barrel stage; making for a triumphant homecoming set.
Sunday sees the festival’s grand finale, with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds closing out the event in legendary fashion. Backed by a six-piece band, Gallagher delivers a set that blends new hits like ‘Pretty Boy’ and ‘Council Skies’ with Oasis classics including ‘Half the World Away’ and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger.’ The colossal singalong to the latter is a fitting end to the weekend, leaving fans with memories that will linger long after the final note.
Y Not Festival 2024 delivers a weekend of exceptional peaks, stunning scenery and a sense of community that is hard to match. Although at times a little lacklustre, it’s an enjoyable weekend, boating a line-up that blends world-class headliners with emerging local talent and a setting that showcases the best of the British countryside. A favourite among locals, regulars are already eagerly anticipating the 2025 edition, and it’s easy to see why: Y Not continues to grow in stature while maintaining its unique charm.
Tickets for Y Not’s 2025 festival are available now
