Y NOT FESTIVAL 2015
Photography and words by Tarquin Clark tarquinclarkphotography.com/
Now in its tenth year, Y Not has grown from an over-spilling house party to one of best small festivals the UK has to offer.
(every dogg has his day, friday night was snoop's)
This year they were celebrating the anniversary with huge headlining acts, Snoop Dogg, Basement Jaxx and Primal Scream. In unusual fashion, the weather was a little brighter this year with some lovely sunsets over the Peak District.
Of course, no UK festival would be complete without the odd showers over the weekend.
This didn’t deter the ‘Y Notters’ seeking shelter in the Roller Disco, stepping into their festival costumes on Saturday, and the annual 3pm paint fight on Sunday at the glowing Y Not sign.
Y Not has so much to offer.
One of the seven bars across site is the Saloon Bar straight out of the Wild West, which has its own line-up of bands.
There are numerous food stalls and merchandise stands.
Throughout each day there is so much to do and soak up, for all ages, including carnivals, circus skills and fairgrounds rides.
The entertainment continues late into the night with one of favourite hangouts; The Dub Tent.
Friday
Our highlights from the Main stage kicked off with a strong performance from Scottish duo Honeyblood. I absolutely love the name of this band and Cat Myers on drums is mesmerising to watch!
We also had music festival favourites, Slaves . who never disappoint.
These guys have certainly made their mark on the scene this year.
'Feed The Mantaray' and 'Cheer Up London' got the crowd pumped up, but my personal favourite has to be 'Sockets' (see newly released video).
Psychedelic Welsh rock band, Super Furry Animals (below), made an appearance dressed in white boiler suits. They invaded the stage like outer planetary beings showcasing some electronic experimentation.
The live performance of 'The Man Don't Give a Fuck' was a memorable moment that transported me back to the 90’s.
Other notable acts on Friday Were American ska punk outfit, Less Than Jake, headlining The Quarry Stage and Pulled Apart By Horses tearing up the Giant Squid Tent.
Fridays Main Stage headliner was hip hop legend, Snoop Dogg. Running fifteen minutes late, like a true superstar, added to build-up. I’d never thought I would see the day Snoop Dogg would be performing in a field in Derbyshire! From start to finish the whole set had so much style. He’s a real showman who has a great connection with the crowd and it’s hard not to be familiar with popular tracks like 'Drop it Like It’s Hot' and 'California Gurls'. I’m a huge Hip Hop fan and witnessing a live performance of 'Gin and Juice' pretty much made my weekend.
Saturday
Always an interesting day as Y Not has a real party atmosphere and it has become a tradition that the majority of Y Notters dress up. I’m sure that at one point I spotted He-Man having a beer with Batman!
The Giant Squid Tent had some amazing talent. Castleford five-piece, Allusondrugs, put in an energetic performance. Quite an iconic looking band and distinctly grunge sounding.
On the same stage I managed to catch British rap metal band Hacktivist. It was total anarchy In the packed-out tent. Some really dark and powerful sounds. A complete new discovery for me.
The Main stage welcomed Ocean Colour scene. I have fond memories of this band from the 90’s and find myself familiar with almost all of their set list Including 'The Riverboat Song' and 'The Day We Caught The Train'. They had a nice chilled vibe, quite the contrast from the Giant Squid Tent.
Other notable acts on Saturday were Jaws on the main stage, Arcane Roots in the Giant Squid Tent and Sheffield’s own, The Sherlocks, headlining The Allotment.
Saturdays Main Stage headliner was Basement Jaxx, a perfect match for the party atmosphere and a chance to showcase your dance moves. Always a colourful performance, costume changes, confetti and fireworks. The culmination of their set was crowd favourite, 'Where’s Your Head At' - Y Not exploded! A perfect festival moment.
Sunday
It's the return of Y Not festival regulars, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys. These guys are so entertaining to watch. Itt’s hard to resist dancing to the ultimate boogie band. The ultimate remedy for that sore head on a Sunday.
If you can stomach it and you’re not nursing a slight hangover, once again The Giant Squid had a strong line-up which included Rolo Tomassi (another personal favourite of mine), Nine Black Alps and Lower than Atlantis. For something a little more settled, Nick Mulvey headlined The Quarry.
A Sunday tradition is the annual 3pm paint fight at the Y Not sign.
It's a spectacle witnessing the slow build-up of people congregating, waiting to be armed with bags of dry paint, then right on time an explosive of colour fills the air.
It looks like a psychedelic mosh pit and the aftermath is a sight to be seen.
Back on the Main Stage I was advised to take a look at Augustines (pictured)
I’m so glad I did, they turned out one of my favourite sets of the whole weekend. I’ll be honest, I had little knowledge of this band before Y Not, but I love discovering new music. Lead singer, Billy McCarthy, connected with the crowd - having a laugh and joke. The performance was something special and brilliant.
Johnny Marr was up next and if you’re a Smiths fan you were in for a treat! 'Panic', 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' and 'There is a Light That Never Goes Out' fill the air and Y not is in full swing with a sing along. A truly epic show and a nice bulid-up to the headlining slot from Primal Scream.
Closing what has been another successful and memorable Y Not weekend, we have Primal Scream with their iconic frontman, Bobby Gillespie. WHAT a way to close such a festival.
Happy 10th Birthday Y Not!