Weekend to remind the bands and fans why they love Y-not
FESTIVAL MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO ‘PRETTY SPECIAL’ LOCATION
of music lovers from across the country descended on Pikehall’s picturesque farmland to enjoy a welcome return of the home-grown Y-not music festival.
Friday’s main event saw the bands from Wales rocking the Derbyshire Dales, with The Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonics being the main acts.
The Manics were delayed on stage by 50 minutes due to a problem with the mixing desk at the venue, but guitarist Nicky Wire remained in high spirits and explained why he loves Y-not so much.
Speaking backstage as the band got ready to wow the fans, he said: “We did this festival four years ago and we loved it so much we were keen to come back.
“It is an unusual location – but it works so well. A really friendly venue which we love to play at.”
The Manics belted out classic tunes opening with Motorcycle Emptiness, and were supported by Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones.
His band then took to the stage for a 90-minute set filled with their greating est hits, much to the delight of this lively crowd.
They finished with classic “Dakota” and really lit up the night with fireworks going off in the surrounding hills at the Pikehall venue.
Jessica Kent, 20, from Leeds, said: “I love the Manics and Stereophonics, so to see both perform at the same festival was a dream.
“The atmosphere was great and it is such a lovely venue – all this is going on in a location surrounded by beautiful landscape – it is pretty special.”
The crowds on Saturday were gearing up for Manchester-based headliners Courteneers, and the rain which poured down in the evening had no chance of putting a dampener on the event. The band played a mix of their Indie anthems which had the festival-goers DANCTHOUSANDS and singing along to some classic hits. During their set there was a short interval where the stage had to be mopped due to the rain, but the crowd partied on to hits such as “Not Nineteen Forever” and “Modern Love”.
The audience continued to sing some of the band’s biggest anthems long after they left the stage, leaving a lingering buzz in the air.
Before The Courteeners, the crowd were warmed up by Midlands band “Sea Girls” who were keen to be back playing the Derbyshire festival after band member Oli explained they “attended as fans only a few years ago” and “loved the atmosphere” so felt privileged to return.
As the clouds cleared for the final day, the crowds were treated to a range of acts including “Baby Queen” who put on a fun-filled performance of girl power anthems.
She went to greet excited fans in the general arena afterwards.
The weather, very fittingly, blossomed into a perfect “sun-day” with headliner “Blossoms” after wrapping up the fantastic event.
Ella Currington, 17, of Matlock, enjoyed the event with a group of friends. She said: “It has been fantastic. We have had a great time and have seen some great acts.”