Kelis, The Kooks and Lucy Spraggan are lined up for return of Y Not Festival
AS the UK festival industry embraces news that pandemic restrictions are ending completely, organisers of Derbyshire’s home-grown Y Not Festival have just announced a string of big names being added to the line-up.
The award-winning festival, which will be running from July 29 to 31 at its picturesque home in Pikehall, will welcome big acts such as The Kooks, headlining on Thursday, Amy Macdonald and The Hunna.
Also now confirmed, on top of the list of huge acts already announced, are Kelis, Mae Muller, Lucy Spraggan, Dodie, Laura Mvula, We Are Scientists, Blood Red Shoes and Soak.
Last year, the festival, which began life as a house party, confirmed 2022 would see plans pressing ahead to deliver the 15th edition of the event, at the same time as announcing acts such as Courteeners, Blossoms and Stereophonics were booked.
But they have now announced more names as part of the next phase of delivering what is hoped to be a glorious comeback after two years on the back burner.
Starting the weekend early will be Thursday night headliners, one of the UK’S most nostalgic indie bands, The Kooks.
Frontman Luke Pritchard said: “We’re really excited to be headlining Y Not Festival this year on the Thursday night.
“This is our first time playing Y Not, so we can’t wait to see you all and celebrate its return after two years away.
“We’re gonna start the weekend early with the biggest party ever.”
Supporting The Kooks on Thursday’s main stage are returning favourites, rock band The Hunna. The Quarry Stage spilled over with fans when they headlined the second stage back in 2019, so expect that same energy for their set this summer.
Headlining the Quarry stage this year is multi-platinum, Grammynominated, singer-songwriter Kelis. Best known for major tracks Milkshake, Trick Me and Bossy, the American artist is travelling across the pond to perform at Y Not for the first time. Joining the party in July are special guest Jake Bugg, Scottish star Amy Macdonald and Y Not veterans We Are Scientists, returning to headline the Giant Squid.
Derbyshire’s own Lucy Spraggan, honest singer-songwriter Dodie, alternative rock duo Blood Red Shoes, Mercury Prize nominee SOAK, Brummie rockers Jaws and many more will also be performing.
Other acts in 2022 include The Chase, Alpaca Factory, Babe Punch, Shadows Of A Silhouette, Clear Vinyl, The Public Eye, Cucamaras, Marty and Vona Vella.
Organisers have also promised a return of the dedicated family camping area and family zone to offer hours of fun for children with all-day games and activities such as magic shows.
Y Not’s managing director, Jason Oakley, said: “We’re so excited to announce even more amazing acts for this year’s festival, and can’t wait to welcome The Kooks to Y Not for the first time, opening the weekend early as our Thursday headliners.
“Also completing 2022’s line-up are Jake Bugg, Kelis and returning Y Not favourites The Hunna and We Are Scientists, plus many more of the UK’S best up-and-comers.
“It’s been a long road getting here and we’re so grateful for the continued support – see you in July!”
Tickets, priced from £119.50 are on sale now at: www.ynotfestival.com
A picture from our archives showing a bygone scene of Shrovetide, and a huge crowd of players and followers in Dig Street. The shops and building have changed since this picture was taken. To help orientate it, the Baxters shop that can clearly be seen is now Nigel’s Butchers, and the building to its left has been replaced with a more modern structure, which is home to Anayas.