Y NOT FESTIVAL 2026 DELIVERS ITS BIGGEST YEAR YET

Monday 3rd August 2026: Y Not Festival celebrates its biggest ever year following a triumphant 2026 edition, delivering its most expansive and diverse programme to date. What began as a house party in 2005 has grown into the most anticipated weekend in the Peak District, renowned not only for its standout lineup of iconic artists, bands and DJs, but for a family friendly experience that goes far beyond the music. With activities for all ages and something happening around every corner, Y Not has firmly established itself as a festival for everyone, bringing together indie heavyweights, emerging talent and a vibrant mix of experiences to create a truly unforgettable weekend.

Headlining Friday night, The Reytons delivered their unrivalled production and infectious energy to The Big Gin stage, igniting an atmosphere that set the tone for an unforgettable weekend. On Saturday, indie heroes Two Door Cinema Club took top billing, performing their revered catalogue of contagious hits in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Tourist History. Bringing the festival to a triumphant close, UK garage pioneers The Streets topped the bill on Sunday, unleashing their signature fusion of hip-hop and electronica to round off an electric four days in the Peaks.

With a long-standing reputation for nurturing future headliners, Y Not Festival once again offered numerous buzzworthy sets from the likes of Keo, Pale Waves, The Snuts, Overpass, Black Honey, The Lottery Winners, Dea Matrona, The Royston Club, and Florence Road. To supplement the fast-emerging talent, festivalgoers enjoyed classic tracks from some of the biggest names in music, with high-voltage performances from Happy Mondays, Rizzle Kicks, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Libertines, Kaiser Chiefs, Scissor Sisters, The Enemy, and The Vaccines.

With the festival increasing its capacity from 28k to 33k for 2026, the site grew exponentially to accommodate, with sizable upgrades to the specially built pub-come-music venue The Hog & Barrel, a new and improved Strawberry Fields family area, and profoundly expanded late-night entertainment offerings. Two new dance stages were introduced for this year: Dubtendo, a bold fusion of video game culture and UK bass music, and Sub Culture, a custom-built underground rave space, rooted in UK soundsystem heritage and inspired by the folklore and mythology of the Peak District.

Alongside the opportunity to see and hear a host of artists at their peak, the festival offered attendees the chance to revel in an array of standout experiences, from fancy-dress competitions, paint fights, and even a fire-breathing, saxophone-playing dragon. On Saturday, festivalgoers descended on The Hog & Barrel for a pub quiz to test their Y Not knowledge. Drawing nearly 2000 participants, this battle of the brains may be in the running for the title of the UK's largest single-venue pub quiz on record.

Y Not Festival continues to prove itself as a truly unique destination for music lovers. Armed with stunning views of the English countryside, top-tier lineups, and an inclusive and diverse fan base, its 2026 edition was certainly one to remember.

In 2027, Y Not Festival will return to the Peak District from 29 July – 1 August for a special 20^th anniversary edition. Tickets are on sale Friday 7 August, and the pre-sale sign up is available at ynotfestival.com/2027-pre-sale.