Beginners guide to Y Not Festival
Y Not is a rare beast. Starting out in a quarry in Derbyshire with an attendance of roughly 500 or so people, it has quickly risen through the ranks of the independent festival roster to become one of the industries biggest success stories. Last year in particular was a star studded year for Y Not, celebrating its 10th birthday to sold out crowds and picking up ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the 2015 Festival Awards (yeah it’s a thing). This year, the events organisers (still that same small team of enthusiasts who started it all over 10 years ago) are really upping the ante to keep Y Not in it’s top dog positions king of the independent festival this year. And your old pals at Licklist have thrown together a wee something to keep you informed of what to look out for when you are there.
First and foremost, lets talk lineup. Last year, Pikehall was graced with some serious headline acts and a top of the line roster of supporting musical excellence. Friday featured some off kilter selections, including bluesy rag tag due Public Service Broadcasting before rounding out the evening with Snoop himself. Saturday and Sunday saw Basement Jaxx and Primal Scream headlining respectively with some mainstage appearances from nostalgia trip Ocean Colour Scene and California rockers We Are Scientists to whet the appetite. This year, folks, we’re getting a distinctly different entourage with the Editors appearing on Friday’s MainStage and the notorious Noel Gallagher bringing the High Flying Birds to close out the Saturday night. Keep some in the tank for Sunday though, because Madness are inviting us all round to the House of Fun (gutted if they don’t play that one). A serious collection of industry vets are ruling the show this time around, but the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen and The Cribs twins will be showing the younger blood isn’t to be outdone. Other acts are still being announced daily across Y Not’s 6 individual stages; The Coral, Ratboy and Milky Chance are all making appearances so get the tickets ordered and keep your eyes peeled for updates!
It’s also worth noting that these guys have nailed all the things it takes to run a good fest, joining the elite pick-list of We Are Full Fat who are working closely with the Y Not to ensure it’s 11th birthday is as groundbreaking as the 10th. There are loads of little quality of life touches to Y Not to avoid this festival killer situations; you can book a portable phone charger right here. For £5 plus a £10 deposit to ensure you are never out of juice during the long heady weekend. Bringing little folk? Not a problem - kids under 12 are provided free entry provided they are registered and accompanied by a consenting adult and if they are properly wee you can even book a campsite trolley to give the little rockers a chance to get some rest ( http://www.trolleytots.com/). These little touches, plus the six stages, seven bars and countless food stalls and fair ground attractions are what makes this fest the award winner it is.
Brass tax time; tickets are costing £99.50 as the previous two tiers of ticket releases have sold out entirely - these things are selling like hotcakes. For a three day camping ticket this is actually on the cheaper side of things, though sadly if you are just now thinking of attending then the payment plan tickets are now also sold out. If you have a bit of bank on you, its worth mentioning that Y Not do an absolutely faultless VIP option, with access to posh toilets, specialist food traders, showers and a VIP bar complete with DJ. On top of that, there’s also a couple of separate “Glamping Options” which gives you a fully kitted out tent with amenities like air beds, lighting in your tent and actual furniture if you’re a camper of finer tastes. Definitely worth checking out their info page to find out more. With that, there’s nothing more to say except get your tickets in now, round up the crew and we’ll see you in the crowds!
By Kyle Cairns