Photo + Words: Tom Sunderland

Y Not Festival delivered the kind of weekend that reminds you why people keep coming back to festivals year after year. Set in the Derbyshire countryside, YNot has a distinctive character that feels much more relaxed and welcoming than some of the UK’s larger festivals. This year, that atmosphere was arguably its biggest strength. 

From the moment you arrived, there was a real sense that people were there to switch off, have fun and enjoy the weekend. The crowd was friendly and upbeat, with a great mix of ages and groups, and there was a genuine community feel around the site. Whether you were heading between stages, grabbing food with friends or simply finding somewhere to sit in the sun, the atmosphere remained lively without becoming overwhelming. 

The festival site itself gave you plenty to explore. There was always something going on away from the main stages, making it easy to spend an entire day wandering around without feeling like you had to stick to a strict schedule. The range of activities added to that feeling, providing plenty of opportunities to take a break from the music and do something different. 

Food was another major highlight. There was a strong selection of options available, meaning you weren’t stuck relying on the standard festival burger and chips. From quick bites between performances to something more substantial when you wanted to sit down and recharge, there was enough variety to keep things interesting throughout the weekend. The bars also played a big part in the experience, providing plenty of places to meet friends, grab a drink and soak up the festival atmosphere. 

Of course, the music still provided the soundtrack to the weekend. There was a good variety across the line-up, with performances from the likes of Scissor Sisters, The Snuts, Dizzee Rascal, Rizzle Kicks and Two Door Cinema Club giving the crowds plenty of memorable moments. But what made the weekend enjoyable was that the festival never felt like it was only about ticking artists off a list. It was just as much about everything happening between the performances. 

That’s what makes Y Not particularly appealing. It feels big enough to offer plenty of choice while retaining a relatively intimate, relaxed character. You can spend the afternoon watching bands, wander off for food, meet friends at a bar, discover something unexpected and still feel like you’re experiencing the festival rather than rushing from one stage to another. 

The combination of a friendly crowd, varied food and drink, activities, beautiful surroundings and a strong musical programme created an experience that felt fun from beginning to end. 

If you’re looking for a UK festival where the atmosphere and overall experience matter just as much as the line-up, Y Not made a very strong case for putting it in your summer calendar every year without hesitation.