Y Not Festival 2026

Mark your calendars! Y Not Festival returns to Pikehall, Derbyshire, from 30 July to 2 August 2026, for its highly anticipated 19th edition. Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, the festival offers breathtaking countryside views, world-class live music, and an unparalleled atmosphere. From its humble beginnings in 2005, Y Not has grown into one of the UK's most cherished festivals, all while staying true to its grassroots origins.

Y​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Not Festival has revealed the headliners for 2026 as well as the first wave of an incredible line-up that will be opening the nineteenth edition of the North’s flagship festival. It will be back from 30 July to 2 August. On the Thursday, The Libertines will be the ones to start the ball rolling, thus a massive weekend of headline sets from The Reytons, Two Door Cinema Club and The Streets will follow.

Also, the announced are Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, Happy Mondays, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Royston Club, Scouting For Girls, Ash, Reverend and The Makers, Keo, Freddie ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Halkon and many more.

Humble Beginnings
The festival was created by Ralph Broadbent in 2005, originally a small house party for 120 guests, cheekily called the Big Gin Festival in homage to its proximity to Biggin in the Peak District. That very spirit remains today: the main stage, the Big Gin Stage, pays homage to the very beginnings of the festival. What started as a small gathering of a few men and women evolved into a cherished institution, thanks to its quintessential character and communal nature.

A Festival with Soul
But Y Not Festival has always been about so much more than just the music. Laid-back, friendly and massively  approachable, the festival has carved out a reputation as one of the most welcoming events on the summer calendar. In fact, it has received numerous awards, including Best Small Festival in 2012-a celebration of its grassroots values and a really rather ace festival experience.

Expect a bar full of locally brewed ales, a wide variety of food stalls selling delicious food, and an extremely eclectic lineup of live music across many genres. Bring your wellies, your best fancy dress outfit, and your sense of adventure for a weekend to remember.

A Journey of Growth
Over the years, Y Not has undergone various transformations. First off, it was acquired in 2016 by Broadwick Live, Global Radio's festival arm, and then went back to the founders in 2019. There have been hiccups for this festival: in 2020 and 2021, Y Not was put on hold for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic but bounced back with full vigor in 2022.

A New Chapter
In November 2022, Y Not continued to take a leap forward when Superstruct Entertainment, one of the UK's leading live entertainment platform companies, acquired the majority stake in the event. This new partnership seeks to elevate the festival while keeping its community-driven ethos and cherished traditions intact.

A Weekend Like No Other
For almost twenty years, Y Not has been a special blend of music, friendship, and partying, set firmly in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside. Whether returning or a newbie, Y Not 2025 is going to be one hell of a festival, full of unforgettable sets, good times, and Peak District charm.

Don't miss out-start planning your perfect weekend now!