Why Y Not Festival is going to be incredible

There are a lot of UK and European festivals over the summer months, and a lot of them are known for having outstanding line ups and always providing music lovers with a good time. From festival giants such as Glastonbury, all the way down to the small ones like 2000 Trees, it can be hard to decide what festival you and your mates want to hit up. If it were up to me, I would send you all to the middle of a field in Derbyshire to go to Y Not Festival, a small and buzzing festival that labels itself to be 'Small, Fresh and Loud' - three words that I would most certainly back.

As you emerge from the forest you open up onto a large field with the flags of Y Not in the near distance. That's when things start to get exciting. You will realise straight away that all the stewards and security at the festival are lovely, and since they don't have to deal with the sheer number of people that go to the larger festivals the seem to more friendly and talkative. Once you have got past the annoying stage of setting your tent up you can explore the festival grounds.

There is a lot you can do - from bumper cars and juggling to sitting on large pillows and rugs in a chilled and intimate bar watching some acoustic acts. The food is great and there is a huge variety.

The arena is set out in two. There is the area that has main stage in, and then you cross a path to get to the other stages. Main stage is a stage that looks big, but feels intimate. You can get really close to the artists and get really involved in the atmosphere, unlike large festivals who have a massive photo and security pit in front of the stage. Y Not seem to be really great at booking bands too. Most bands you watch on their main stage will end up being pretty big in the future. For example, in 2014 Catfish and the Bottlemen played Y Not and now they have two sold out nights at Brixton!

The other stages are more intimate but hold just as much atmosphere, possibly even more. The tents are a great way of watching bands - the sound is perfect and it won't get too muddy in the rain... Though when at Y Not, the rain isn't an issue because you can just run about in it like these guys below.

Let's talk about the bands already announced for 2015...

Y Not is 10 years old this year, and they are having one huge party to celebrate. Already announced is none other than Snoop Dogg (SNOOP DOGG!), Primal Scream and Basement Jaxx, along with Nick Mulvey, Saint Raymond, Rae Morris, Pulled Apart By Horses, We Are The Ocean, Slaves, Gengahr, Honeyblood, Allusondrugs and more. Obviously within the next few months a lot more acts will be announced, making the already great line up even better.

So with all that said, you would be pretty mad not to go to Y Not, right? Oh, the tickets are also far cheaper than a lot of festivals and are currently at £94. Bargain.

See you there?

- Nathan (@nxths)

All photos by Nathan McLaren-Stewart for It's All Indie. Taken at Y Not Festival 2014.

Bands To Look Out For At Y Not Festival

Heading to Y Not Fest this year? So am I, so that’s why I have made my list of bands that you’ve got to catch over the three day festival. First let’s start with the Friday:

My first act to catch at this year’s Y Not Festival are Woahnows. I caught Woahnows whilst they were supporting Gnarwolves recently and I impressed. The young, noisy and upbeat indie punk act will certainly get you moshing. Andrew W.K is headlining the Giant Squid Stage and when it’s time to party, Andrew W.K party hards. The Californian party hero will certainly get you moving on the Friday night. Heading onto the Quarry Stage you’ll find Itch. The ex King Blues frontman has a raw sound that could not possibly be missed. Circa Waves are to play the Quarry Stage later on and with their summer anthem ‘Stuck In My Teeth’ they are a band that you don’t want to miss! Now moving onto the Main Stage (i.e The Big Gin Stage) you’ve got Superfood. Fresh off supporting Wolf Alice on their mammoth May UK tour, Superfood are being backed by the likes of It’s All Indie, DIY and NME. Their sound is different and will be a sure hit, especially if the sun is shining.

Don’t get too partied up on the Friday night though as the Saturday of Y Not Festival has some incredible bands. The Giant Squid Stage is graced by the raw and noisy Slaves. With unbeatable energy and a strong punk influence, Slaves are slowly taking the scene by storm. My advice is to grab your best mate and throw them into the pit because Slaves are not one to miss. Next up on the Giant Squid Stage are The Wytches. After seeing The Wytches supporting Pulled Apart By Horses on their most recent UK tour I have had them playing almost every day. The raw and grunge sound will be filling the whole tent and will definitely create an atmosphere like none other. If you are wanting to stray more into the rock scene then definitely check out the guys in Canterbury. Off the release of their latest album, Canterbury are second from headlining the Big Squid Stage and I wouldn’t be surprised if next year they are headlining. Saint Raymond will be bringing his bouncy indie to the Quarry Stage and I doubt you’ll see a single person standing still during his set. Over on the Big Gin Stage, Catfish and the Bottlemen will be getting the crowd going. Catfish and the Bottlemen have a distinctive sound and are on the verge of turning into one of the UK’s biggest indie band so this is your last chance to catch them play a more intimate festival! Straight after Catfish and the Bottlemen you won’t want to leave main stage as next up are Birmingham 5 piece Swim Deep. With the sun on your back, it’s definitely going to be a nice day with these guys as they are sure to make your watch tick slowly (see what I did there?). Swim Deep’s ambient yet bouncy indie music will get the whole crowd jumping.

Moving on to the final day of Y Not Festival, Sunday see’s some great live acts. On the Giant Squid stage you absolutely must see Baby Godzilla. Baby Godzilla are a band like no other. The “General Extreme Noise” band will absolutely tear down the stage. I took photos of them at Moles in Bath and I still have not got over their set. Highlight of their summer so far could possibly be moshing in a bin at this year’s 2000 Trees Festival. These dudes take crowd participation to a whole new level. Bipolar Sunshine will be bringing good vibes to the Quarry Stage on the Sunday. The chilled, electronic sounds are sure to get the festival moving. Finally on the Big Gin Stage you’ve got your best friends in Palma Violets. With sing a long summer anthems, Palma Violets are going to be a great band to catch just before the sun goes down.

So there you have it: the bands I am most looking forward to seeing at Y Not Festival in two week’s time. My advice is to check out as many bands as you can and to have a good time. Also, keep an eye out on It’s All Indie for some photos. See you in the sunshine!

Written by - Nathan McLaren-Stewart