Y Not Festival is a yearly outdoor music event taking place in the village of Pikehall in Derbyshire (Great Britain). Throughout the years, it has evolved from a modest local gathering for a few hundred attendees into a prominent summer festival showcasing renowned British and international performers. Currently, Y Not merges music, camping, and that distinctly British festival vibe of a retreat in the countryside. In this article, we will provide details about the event’s location, duration, ticket prices, site characteristics, and essential information for visitors prior to their arrival.
| Name | Y Not Festival |
| Year founded | 2006 |
| Venue | Pikehall, Derbyshire, England |
| Dates | 30 July – 2 August 2026 |
| Duration | 4 days |
| Format | Music festival with camping |
| Main genres | Indie rock, alternative rock, pop, electronic music and other genres |
| Number of visitors | From an initial 500 guests in 2006, the festival has grown to tens of thousands of visitors in recent years |
| Ticket price | from £169 to £190 |
| Parking | Separate parking ticket – from £30 |
| Age restrictions | Visitors of all ages; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult |
What is Y Not Festival?
The Y Not Festival is a summer music event that unites live music enthusiasts each year in the Derbyshire countryside. Its primary attraction lies in merging a significant concert experience with a laid-back festival vibe: attendees come not just for the performances but also for camping, mingling, and unwinding in the rural setting.
Initially, Y Not was a modest gathering targeting fans of the independent music scene. In 2007, the festival relocated to Pikehall, allowing it to expand its grounds and welcome a larger audience. Over time, more prominent artists began to appear on the line-up, and the festival established itself as one of the premier summer events within the British music landscape.
Notable performers at the Y Not Festival have included Stereophonics, The Libertines, Paul Weller, and various other renowned names from the rock, indie, and alternative genres. The line-up varies each year, but the organisers typically prioritise British bands and artists who enjoy widespread appeal.
The festival spans several days: attendees can arrive ahead of time, set up their tents at the campsite, and spend the entire weekend on the festival site. In addition to concerts, there are areas for food and entertainment, along with extra amenities such as VIP sections. The organisers provide enhanced accommodation choices and specialised services for guests.
Location of the Y Not Festival
The Y Not Festival is held in Pikehall, Derbyshire, situated in the heart of Great Britain. The venue is surrounded by the hills and landscapes of the Peak District. This setting has become a significant aspect of the festival: instead of an urban location, attendees can enjoy a few days immersed in the countryside.
The festival grounds are located close to the quaint village of Pikehall, prompting organisers to advise attendees to plan their travel and routes ahead of time. The closest major cities to the festival location are:
- Manchester – 50–60 km away;
- Sheffield – 45–50 km away;
- Derby – 35–40 km away.
Y Not Festival site layout
The festival site layout illustrates the arrangement of key areas: performance stages, camping locations, parking zones, entry points, food and beverage stalls, as well as other amenities. The organisers release this map prior to the event, allowing attendees to strategise their movement around the venue in advance.
The Y Not Festival site comprises:
- Main Arena – the primary zone featuring large stages;
- camping spots for attendees with tents;
- car parks located close to the festival;
- Food & Drink sections housing cafés and food trucks;
- VIP sections, which include TONY’S VIP and the enhanced Paradise Peaks camping options;
- entertainment zones and various additional activities.
When organising your visit, consider the expansive nature of the site: there could be significant distances between the camping area, car park, and stages, so wearing suitable footwear and having a planned route will assist in minimising unnecessary walking.
Y Not Festival 2026 Line-up
In 2026, the festival organisers once again centred their attention on British guitar music. The primary headliners for Y Not 2026 included The Libertines, The Reytons, Two Door Cinema Club, and The Streets, with each act set to headline one of the festival’s four days. In addition to these acts, a multitude of prominent performers will grace the stages at Y Not Festival, featuring a mix of established British indie rock icons and emerging bands that have garnered significant followings in recent years.
The line-up is arranged by day as follows.
| Date | Main acts |
|---|---|
| 30 July (Thursday) | The Libertines (headliner), Ash, Hard-Fi |
| 31 July (Friday) | The Reytons (headliner), Dizzee Rascal, The Fratellis , Reverend and The Makers, Sleeper, The Royston Club, The Lancashire Hotpots, Pale Waves |
| 1 August (Saturday) | Two Door Cinema Club (headliner), KAISER CHIEFS, The Vaccines, Happy Mondays, The Enemy, Scouting For Girls, Lucy Spraggan, Inspiral Carpets, Vanessa Carlton, Mr Motivator |
| 2 August (Sunday) | The Streets (headliner), Scissor Sisters, Rizzle Kicks, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Snuts, The Lottery Winners, We Are Scientists, Black Honey |
Throughout the nearly two-decade history of the Y Not Festival, many renowned British bands have taken to its stages. For instance, Kasabian headlined the festival in 2023, concluding the Friday schedule. Sea Girls were also part of that year’s line-up, performing on the Sunday of the festival weekend.
The following year, in 2024, Kaiser Chiefs opened the Y Not Festival on Thursday. That same year, audiences enjoyed performances from The Snuts and Pale Waves, who were featured in the Saturday line-up.
In 2025, a standout moment was a performance by The Prodigy – the iconic band headlined the Friday evening, marking their debut as one of the Y Not Festival’s main acts.
Visitor Information
Prior to heading to the Y Not Festival 2026, it is advisable to consider all the arrangements beforehand: which type of ticket to select, accommodation options, transportation to the site, and whether a parking permit will be necessary. The festival is held in the rural area close to Pikehall, Derbyshire, hence the organisers suggest planning your journey ahead of time and acquiring any extra services along with your primary ticket.
Tickets
There are various ticket choices for the Y Not Festival 2026: general festival admission, youth tickets, extra options to enhance your experience, and exclusive accommodation packages. All prices are stated without the service charge. Prices may fluctuate based on the sales phase.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult Weekend Ticket (for visitors aged 18 and over, Friday–Sunday) | from £169 to £190 |
| Youth Weekend Ticket (aged 13–17, Friday–Sunday) | approximately £145–165 |
| Thursday Entry Upgrade (early entry on Thursday) | from £50 |
| TONY’S VIP (VIP area, dedicated facilities, bars and additional services) | from £50 + |
A general festival ticket provides access to the Y Not Festival grounds from Friday to Sunday. For those interested in arriving earlier to commence their holiday on Thursday, there is a distinct ‘Thursday Entry Upgrade’ option available.
Dates
The Y Not Festival 2026 is scheduled to occur from 30 July to 2 August 2026 in Pikehall, Derbyshire.
Camping Options
Camping forms a fundamental part of the Y Not Festival experience. The majority of attendees arrive for a few days, set up their tents, and remain close to the festival grounds.
The organisers provide a variety of accommodation choices:
| Accommodation type | Features |
|---|---|
| General Camping | standard festival campsite for most visitors |
| Family Camping | upgraded camping with hot showers, comfortable toilets and additional facilities |
| Pre-Pitched Camping | a tent set up in advance – no need to bring your own equipment |
| Live-In Vehicle | accommodation for campervans and motorhomes |
A distinct Live-In Vehicle Pass is necessary for those using motorhomes and campervans. Available options consist of standard pitches as well as pitches equipped with electricity connections.
The campsite features toilets, showers, and basic amenities. For attendees with mobility challenges, there is a designated area with facilities that cater to their needs: accessible showers, toilets, charging points, and other essential services.
General Camping and Family Camping are included in the cost of the Weekend Ticket and Family Ticket.
Getting There
The festival is hosted in the rural area of Derbyshire, making the most straightforward method of arrival either by car or through the provided transport service.
- By car. The majority of attendees opt to drive. When using a sat-nav, ensure that your destination is set specifically to the Y Not Festival instead of merely Pikehall, as there are designated traffic routes and signage in the vicinity during the festival. The organisers recommend adhering to the official road signs as you near the festival grounds.
- By bus. The festival’s official partner, Big Green Coach, runs coach services from several towns throughout Great Britain. This option is particularly convenient for those who prefer not to deal with parking or navigating their own route.
- By taxi or shuttle bus. There is a specific Pick Up & Drop Off area for passengers. The organisers request that you refrain from stopping along the narrow country lanes near the venue, as this can lead to traffic congestion and disrupt the flow of vehicles.
Parking Information
Those who plan to arrive by car must acquire a parking ticket separately. Each parking pass is valid for a single vehicle. It is more economical to secure a space in advance, as prices may be elevated if bought at the festival venue, and availability is limited.
Standard parking is situated close to the campsite, although you may have to walk from your vehicle to the festival grounds. Holders of Premium Parking passes can access more conveniently located spaces nearer to the entrances.
It is crucial to note that parking areas are designated for cars exclusively. Overnight stays in vehicles within the car park are not allowed; to do so, you must reserve an appropriate camping option or obtain a Live-In Vehicle Pass.
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TiktokFAQ
What are the dates for Y Not Festival 2026?
Y Not Festival 2026 is scheduled to occur from 30 July to 2 August 2026 in Pikehall, Derbyshire. The event will span four days, running from Thursday to Sunday, although entry with a standard Weekend Ticket starts on Friday.
What time does Y Not Festival conclude?
The exact end time for the final performances at Y Not Festival 2026 has not yet been disclosed by the organisers. Typically, the music schedule wraps up late on Sunday night, after which attendees either depart the festival grounds or remain at the campsite until morning.
Who is responsible for organising Y Not Festival?
The festival is managed by the Y Not Festival team in partnership with Superstruct Entertainment, which has been involved with the event since 2022.
What is the attendance figure for Y Not Festival?
The specific capacity for the 2026 Y Not Festival has not been officially revealed. In its initial years, the festival drew only a few hundred attendees; for instance, in 2006, approximately 500 people were present. Over the years, the event has evolved into a significant regional festival welcoming tens of thousands of participants.
What items should I bring to Y Not Festival?
When attending Y Not Festival, it is advisable to bring: your ticket and identification; a tent and sleeping bag (if you have chosen standard camping); warm attire and a waterproof jacket – as the weather in Derbyshire can be unpredictable; comfortable footwear for moving around the venue; a charger or power bank; personal hygiene products; a reusable water bottle; and sunscreen.