From the very beginning Y Not Festival have been serving up the very finest in outstanding, raw talent purely for our joy and entertainment, 10 years on, why would we expect anything less. As always for an extra bit of entertainment Y Not supply us again with the much loved Fair Ground, BUMP Roller-skating, Fire pit at Octopus Garden and circus workshops with fire breathers!

Hobgoblin made an appearance this year in a Hobgoblin trailer which went down well with the crowds. We also saw a cocktail bar in the main arena for those more partial to a Mojito.

As well as feeling like one big party for those attending, Y Not seems to of earned a bit of name for itself in fast becoming one major ‘opportunity’ talent hub for the unique and talented. Jake Bugg was signed the day after his gig at Y Not, and this year Saint Raymond made a return to the Big Gin stage after securing their record label deal from previous performances at Pikehall.

This year BBC introducing at The Quarry stage played host to some of the music industries most current talked about artists, both new and established. Performers this year include Rayleigh Ritchie - Game of Thrones star and singer in his own right, Martin Luke Brown - support for Newton Faulkner + Maccabees, Public Service Broadcasting - a genre in their own right , Indiana - discovered by Beck and finally none other than the internationally loved Nick Mulvey.

So here’s how it all went down.

Friday

Reverend and the Makers opened the Main Stage on Friday, and they seemed pretty impressed by the already buzzing crowd “Hey Y Not! - This is gona be fun I can tell already what a vibe!” The rev got cracking and started off with ‘Bassline' and very quickly succumbed to the crowd giving us ‘Heavyweight Champion Of The World’ after the crowd chanted “play us what we know”

Public Service Broadcasting - PSB are unique in that they came up with the idea of popping down to their library to collect a load of samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material. They then used it to create music and put on a very entertaining performance for all to see, talking to the crowd through computers in funny voices and getting a lot of laughs! As did the dancing man in space suit on stage.

And now for Snoop Dogg. It truly was quite surreal to see the guy bowl up onto the Gin Stage at this Derbyshire Festival. Starting off with ‘California Love’ and 'P.I.M.P' spectators were treated to all the old classics. Snoop then moved through to his collaboration with Jason Derulo’s 'Wiggle' and also threw in a version of 'I Love Rock & Roll' for good measure. Like artists on the Gin stage prior to him, Snoop showed his appreciation to the crowd vowing to be back in town real soon. #snooplove

Saturday

Joe Barber stole the show on the open mic slot at the Tippling Tent. He is the very reason why winging it and walking about a festival without a plan is exactly what is needed in order to discover new sounds and form new favourites! His slow southern charming acoustic blues sounds silenced the crowd and made them listen, we all love a headliner but moments like this captured is what Y Not’s all about.

Matt Henshaw - picture a Stephen Tyler like poetically romantic yet rocky voice over layered with the soulful rapping sounds of Reggie Reynolds and that’s pretty much a golden combination. Hurrah for the happy feel good music! Everyone in this tent looked like they could have stayed for hours as could of I!

Walking on Cars felt relieved to be over their 15 hour coach journey from Ireland to Pikehall and boy were we glad they came! Plus they didn't leave without without throwing some freebies od band tees into the crowd. With catchy rock sounds and melodic piano keys there's a reason these guys pushed it right to the top of the iTunes chart.

Star Botherers - If you’re a Chaz and Dave fan then you have would of come to the right place for these guys...these guys are...dare I say it? Even wittier. With catchy home grown lyrics to songs about why your girlfriend hates Star Wars (what’s her problem?) a sing along to a midlife crisis tune and absolutely unforgiving pop at The National Trust lot, what’s not to love? No one likes to take themselves too seriously. Start Botherers are the cure!

In a world of Male bands and singers predominantly taking the stage currently, it's incredibly refreshing to see Jagarra - A 3 piece band that have our ears filled with eerily beautiful voices, synth and electric guitars, this trio make it sound like Florence Welch is their vocal coach.

Photo: Ross Silcocks

Basement Jaxx was the name on everyone's lips in the run up to Saturday night and they did not disappoint, If playing “I Can See Clearly Now The Rain Has Gone” was not planned it was very fitting for the light shower we experienced earlier. Brightly dressed and commanding the stage in outfits designed to look like clouds and rainbows and matching wigs...obviously? The powerful female voices that we love so much were right in front of our very eyes, along with their incredibly powerful beat, slaves to the music were the crowd underneath the Derbyshire sky, dancing to 'Good Luck', 'Power To The People', 'Back To The Wild', and of course 'Where’s Your Head At'. We got what we wanted, topped with Confetti bombs (never gets old) and Fireworks! Happy Birthday Y Not!

As I was queuing for my amazing coffee courtesy of Jaz & Juls (if you live in London Jaz & Julz supply 65 coffee shops with their ethically sourced handmade drinking chocolate! They are about to open a store in North London) on a Sunday morning I almost jumped out of my skin when Turn it Up Presents….Parasight opened their set, nothing wakes you up in the morning like a bit of unexpected heavy rock blaring through the speakers, did I need the Coffee after this?

Georgie - Like most talented Artists this won’t be the first time Georgie has been at Y Not festival, she also played a sold out gig at Bodega in Nottinghamshire recently. Her delicate yet strong voice singing “I Wanna Go” is both refreshing and captivating. There is something so laid back about Georgie, you find yourself intrigued and wanting to watch more.

Forever Never - This band had 5 photographers on their case on a Sunday afternoon, all vying for the best shot, all trying to capture the excitement these guys had to be on stage. Firstly they played the best cover song...yes ok stay with me. John Farnham - 'Your're The Voice' - Heavy Metal Style. The crowd were blown aprt, fully fist punching throughout, singing along with even some knickers being thrown! ...they were that good ;) in all seriousness these guys deserve to get to the top, the energy and love they throw into what they do, combined with the humility and Renny the front man acting the perfect host to the crowd with his Essex charm, frankly I would be gutted if they didn’t. 

Nick Mulvey 15 minutes behind schedule did not dampen the excitement I had for Mr Mulvey at all in The Quarry Sunday evening, nor did it seem to bother his hordes of adoring fans. As the sun set he took the stage in his signature baseball cap. All of Nicks songs were extended to at least 10 minutes longer than the radio versions, what a treat! 'April' started us off, Followed by 'Meet Me There', 'Nitrous', 'Fever To The Form' and 'cucucuru'. Nick had us in the palm of his hand, the connection between him and the crowd was unbreakable, like you were almost suspended in time. After his set comes to an end Nick moved to the front of the stage with his 5 piece band, tells us we were all lovely and takes a bow. Nick could be found at The Rough Trade Tent after his set signing merchandise.

Rough Trade bought all their band merch to Y Not this year, Records/CDs/Books/even a Tea towel! RT held signings and also live performances throughout the weekend, they were also very lovely to talk to. Which is always nice :)

10 years on Y Not still nails covering all angles in Music/food/drink/entertainment and activities, having Something for everyone. A festival for all ages it remains, 2016 based on its track record will undoubtedly be upstaged as every year before.

Here’s to 10 years, here’s to Y Not!   

Review Catherine Ryan