LIVE REVIEW: Y Not Festival 2026

With the beautiful backdrop of Derbyshire’s rolling hills, Y Not Festival has carved out a reputation as one of the most beloved weekends in the festival calendar. It hits the sweet spot between the intimacy of grassroots indie charm, and the scale and spectacle of a major event. Therefore, it is no wonder why many mark it as a staple in their festival summer. 2026 saw an increase in capacity, allowing more than 30,000 eager music lovers into the fields of Pikehall for an unforgettable weekend. 

Y Not is a festival that continues to grow without sacrificing the character that made it special in the first place. The layout encourages exploration, making it easy to drift between stages and enjoy both established favourites and the next wave of talent shaping today’s ever-evolving music scene. The Big Gin Main Stage hosted festival veterans Two Door Cinema Club, alongside The Libertines, The Reytons and The Streets, each delivering standout headline sets. Elsewhere, The Quarry and Giant Squid stages proved to be the beating heart of musical discovery. Some of the most promising voices in the upcoming scene such as Cherryholt, Keo and Radio Free Alice showcased exactly why they are among the most exciting names to watch. Each delivered performances to suggest that they are only a few festival seasons away from commanding the main stage themselves. 

These stages offered an effective spotlight on the next generation of indie torchbearers, with every set carrying the feeling that you were witnessing the start of something much bigger. Time and time again, you'd wander into a tent knowing little about the act on stage and leave wondering why they weren't already on every playlist you owned. Ultimately, Y Not is a festival where you arrive with a plan that ends up being happily abandoned in favour of your next unexpected favourite band.

This year's festival began on Thursday 30th July, with The Libertines soundtracking a spectacular sunset over the Pikehall fields. The almost cinematic backdrop made for a fitting opening chapter and hinted at the wealth of standout moments still to come across the weekend.

Friday at the festival saw some of the indie scene’s brightest new talents take to the stage. Cherryholt delivered their standout slot to a packed out tent in The Quarry. Despite having only seven released, the Lincolnshire lads made a convincing case for why they’re ones to watch as an undeniable momentum took over the tent. Over on the Big Gin, Freddie Halkon proved how he has all the makings of a future festival favourite. His performance of ‘Girl In The Smoking Area’ was a real highlight of the day as the crowd sang every word back to him, arms aloft. His set both justified the growing hype surrounding him and the idea that he is destined for even bigger festival slots in the years ahead.

The Royston Club once again gave a commanding performance on the festival stage. It is safe to say that ‘Cariad’ is well on its way to becoming a staple indie festival anthem, based on the crowd’s euphoric reaction. A change of pace came courtesy of Dizzee Rascal, who provided a breath of fresh air from the indie-heavy bill. From start to finish, the crowd matched his intensity. It can easily be argued that he created one of the most vibrant atmospheres of the weekend. As Friday came to a close, The Reytons’ headline slot went above and beyond all expectations. Their ambitious stage setup was nothing short of incredible, and they delivered a performance that capped off day two in triumphant fashion.

Onto Saturday, where Mr Motivator kickstarted the afternoon. He brought a wave of positivity and energy that took over the site. This unexpected joyful highlight perfectly set the tone for the day ahead. Later in the afternoon, Scouting For Girls played a great singalong set to an enthusiastic crowd, before Happy Mondays took over the reins. Armed with two maracas which he later threw into the crowd, Bez truly owned his stage and expertly entertained the audience with his infectious charisma.

The Vaccines performed a nostalgic, celebratory set marking fifteen years since their era-defining debut. Their setlist balanced this landmark with newer material and other fan favourites, cementing their performance as one of the weekend’s best. Meanwhile, over in The Quarry tent, Overpass showcased their rising potential, delivering a set that suggested a move to the main stage might not be too far away. Their ever-growing fanbase embraced every moment and provided a reception that makes their upward trajectory seem inevitable.

Saturday's headline slot belonged to Two Door Cinema Club. They demonstrated the effortless confidence of a band that has spent years perfecting the art of the festival set, and few acts are as suited to a summer evening crowd. Their euphoric blend of indie anthems and infectious energy proved exactly why, and it is safe to say that ‘What You Know’ was one of Y Not 2026’s most memorable moments.

Sunday in Pikehall saw Lottery Winners, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Rizzle Kicks take to the Big Gin stage, whilst the likes of Kid Kapichi and Brooki delivered huge performances in The Quarry. A particularly painful clash saw Scissor Sisters and Keo take to opposing stages. Both delivered performances that demanded attention and brought their own unique energy to the festival, making the scheduling conflict one of the weekend's biggest dilemmas. Keo in particular sparked conversation for all the right reasons as they continue to prove why they are one of the indie scene’s most exciting prospects. The relentless momentum of their set, combined with the crowd’s rapturous response signalled that their rise is only just the beginning. As the festival fell into its final hours, The Snuts closed The Quarry tent with admirable expertise, whilst The Streets dominated the main stage for a fitting final hurrah. 

Ultimately, Y Not Festival did not disappoint this year. A festival that has mastered the balance between music discovery and celebration, it once again secured its spot as an unmissable fixture in the UK festival calendar. Thousands will have left the Peak District this weekend with a playlist full of new favourites. Y Not is truly an incredible platform for the next generation of artists, whilst continuing to honour those who paved the way.