Why Not Go: a Y-Not Festival 2012 preview
The lowdown on this weekend's big little festival in Derbyshire
Photographer:Andy Squire
Chris Eustace - 30 July 2012
When and where is it?
Y-Not Festival 2012 takes place this weekend, 3-5 August, in Pikehall, Matlock, Derbyshire.
So, “Y” should I go to this festival?
This one writes itself, doesn’t it – Y Not?! For starters, it’s an award-winning event, taking the ‘Best Grassroots Festival’ and, most importantly, some would say, ‘Best Toilets’ titles at the UK Festival Awards last year.
So what else can I expect apart from amazing bogs?
Well, the festival has come a long way from its beginnings in a Derbyshire quarry. It remains in the county, but has now moved to a picturesque part of the Peak District National Park, with a programme for all ages, with a quiet camp for families and numerous workshops and activities to keep everyone amused, which have included mask and costume making, child-friendly cabaret, sports days, carnivals, hoola hooping and circus skills in previous years.
What about the music?
This is one festival that punches above its weight – living up to its tagline “Small, Fresh, Loud”, it’s hosted performances from the likes of The Futureheads, Mystery Jets, The Subways, Maximo Park, Feeder and Miles Kane in the past.
So how about this year?
This year sees The Wombats, The View and We Are Scientists head up a bill that also includes the likes of The Pigeon Detectives, British Sea Power, Roots Manuva, Reverend & The Makers, Hadouken, Rolo Tomassi, Vintage Trouble, Hadouken!, Lucy Rose and the return of The Subways.
Is there anyone else playing that you recommend?
Don’t miss any of these or a nice loo will be no consolation:
‘Tough Love’ has taken PABH to a new plain, with the band’s gonzo heaviness now sitting pretty on daytime radio playlists. With songs like ‘V.E.N.O.M.’, ‘Wolf Hand’ and ‘Bromance Ain’t Dead’ on their ever expanding list of moshpit starters, expect shoutalong mayhem like never before, and possibly even a dance-off.
Any worries that Ghostpoet’s sparse night bus tales wouldn’t really translate to the festival stage have been dispelled over the past year, proving to be just as compulsive when relocated to an afternoon outdoor slot. Make sure you’re at this one if you want something to get lost in and wordplay to marvel at.
The dandy of alt-folk is seemingly on a mission to play every festival in the country this summer, and hopefully the sunny lilting tunes from debut album ‘Loveblood’ will match the weather this weekend. Mumford fans should be front and centre for his set.
Their former tourmates Young Guns, We Are The Ocean and Deaf Havana are all primed for the big leagues, and LTA are looking in similarly good shape, with new single ‘Love Someone Else’ suggesting their forthcoming third album will see them grab the chance to become the UK’s answer to Foo Fighters. Expect further tasters this weekend.
With Andy Falkous at the helm, FOTL were always going to acerbic in both tune and wit, and with song titles on new album ‘The Plot Against Common Sense’ like ‘Failed Olympic Bid’ and ‘Robocop 4 – Fuck Off Robocop’, the band deliver on both counts. Throw in the fact that they’re doing the odd song by Falkous’ previous band, hardcore luminaries McLusky, and you’re in for a treat. Just don’t try to heckle unless you enjoy being destroyed.
Nice, but I still want to hear more!
In that case, why not listen to the VF Y Not Spotify Playlist?
Y-Not Festival 2012 is sold out.
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