Y Not Festival, Matlock, United Kingdom 2027

• July 29, 2027
  Event date:
• August 1, 2027
  Event end:

Y Not Festival returns to Pikehall in Derbyshire for its 20th-anniversary celebration. The festival combines indie, rock, alternative, pop, electronic music, comedy, food, camping and Peak District scenery in a large countryside setting.

The 2027 edition has been announced as Y Not’s 20th birthday celebration. The full 2027 lineup and detailed daily schedules have not yet been announced, so confirmed artist information and timetable details should be added as the organisers release further announcements.

What to expect in 2026

Although this listing focuses on the 2027 edition, the 2026 festival provides a useful indication of the event’s scale and atmosphere. Y Not 2026 featured headline performances from The Libertines, The Reytons, Two Door Cinema Club and The Streets, alongside acts including Kaiser Chiefs, Scissor Sisters, Rizzle Kicks, The Vaccines, Happy Mondays, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Dizzee Rascal and The Snuts.

The festival offers much more than its main headline performances. Visitors can explore multiple music stages, late-night entertainment, silent discos, themed bars, food traders, comedy, family activities and other festival attractions. The Peak District location gives the event a distinctive countryside setting compared with large urban music festivals.

The 2027 edition is expected to retain the festival’s established mix of established artists, emerging performers, alternative music and entertainment. As the 20th-anniversary event, it is also expected to have particular significance for regular Y Not attendees.

Festival dates

Y Not Festival 2027 is scheduled to take place from Thursday, July 29 through Sunday, August 1, 2027.

The four-day format gives visitors the opportunity to arrive on Thursday and experience the opening programme before the main weekend becomes busier. Weekend visitors can attend the principal Friday-to-Sunday programme, while Thursday access is available as an additional option.

The festival normally builds its programme across the entire weekend, with music and entertainment continuing throughout the day and into the evening. Visitors planning to attend the complete event should check the official programme for arrival and campsite opening information before travelling.

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Venue & festival site

Y Not Festival is held at Pikehall in Derbyshire, within the Peak District countryside. The official festival contact address is Pikehall, Derbyshire, DE4 2PG.

The festival site covers a large rural area containing performance stages, camping fields, food and drink areas, bars and visitor facilities. The countryside setting is one of the defining characteristics of Y Not and creates a different atmosphere from festivals held in major city centres.

The principal festival stages have included The Big Gin, The Quarry, Giant Squid, Club Malibu, Flamingo Jacks, Hog N Barrel, The Pit, Dubtendo and Sub Culture.

Because the site is located in rural Peak District surroundings, visitors should be prepared for changing weather and uneven ground. Rain can create muddy conditions, while warm and dry weather can make some areas dusty.

Full lineup

The complete Y Not Festival 2027 lineup has not yet been announced.

The festival has confirmed the 2027 edition and its 20th-anniversary status, but the full artist programme is still to be revealed. The official Y Not lineup page should be treated as the primary source for confirmed artists.

The 2026 programme provides an indication of the festival’s musical range, with indie, rock, alternative, pop, electronic, hip-hop and other contemporary genres represented across the different stages.

Once the 2027 lineup is announced, visitors will be able to plan their preferred performances across the four-day festival. Unofficial rumours should not be treated as confirmed bookings until the artists appear in official festival announcements.

Headliners

The 2027 headline acts have not yet been announced.

Y Not has historically featured prominent British and international performers in its headline positions. The 2026 headline programme included The Libertines, The Reytons, Two Door Cinema Club and The Streets.

The 20th-anniversary edition is expected to attract significant headline attention, but specific 2027 artists should only be added once officially confirmed by the festival.

Stage-by-stage schedule

The 2027 stage-by-stage schedule has not yet been released.

Y Not traditionally spreads its programme across numerous stages, allowing visitors to choose between major performances, emerging artists, alternative acts and late-night entertainment.

The Big Gin and The Quarry are among the festival’s principal stages, while Giant Squid, Club Malibu, Flamingo Jacks, Hog N Barrel, The Pit, Dubtendo and Sub Culture provide additional programming.

The final 2027 schedule should show which performers are appearing on each stage and on which festival day. Visitors should check the official programme or festival app once the timetable becomes available.

Set times

Y Not Festival has not yet published the 2027 set times.

Set times are normally announced closer to the festival and allow visitors to organise their daily schedules around the artists they most want to see. With multiple stages operating simultaneously, clashes between performances are possible.

The 2026 programme showed performances taking place throughout the afternoon and evening, with headline performances occupying major evening slots and other stages continuing their own programmes.

Late-night entertainment can also continue after the main live performances, making it possible for visitors to remain active at the festival after the headline sets have finished.

Public transport after the festival

Public transport around Pikehall is more limited than at festivals located in major cities. Y Not works with Big Green Coach to provide dedicated festival coach travel from selected locations around the United Kingdom.

Useful railway connections include Matlock and Buxton. The festival identifies Matlock as approximately 17 minutes away by car or bus and Buxton as approximately 20 minutes away.

Dedicated coach services have previously operated from cities including Birmingham, Derby, Doncaster, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Stoke-on-Trent.

Visitors who are not driving should arrange their return journey in advance. Rural transport availability can be limited after performances finish, particularly late at night.

Accommodation areas

Camping is a central part of the Y Not Festival experience. Weekend tickets provide access to the festival’s camping arrangements, while visitors looking for additional comfort can select upgraded accommodation.

General Camping is the standard option, while Family Camping provides a dedicated environment for families. The festival also offers premium camping and glamping choices.

Paradise Peaks is a premium camping area offering facilities such as hot showers, upgraded toilets, pamper facilities and an exclusive entrance into the arena.

Glamping provides another alternative for visitors who prefer pre-arranged accommodation rather than bringing and pitching a standard tent.

Visitors staying away from the festival site can consider accommodation around Matlock and Buxton. Other Peak District towns and villages may also provide accommodation, although early booking is recommended during the festival period.

Food & drink at the festival

Y Not Festival provides a wide selection of food and drink options across the festival site. Food traders offer different styles of street food, while festival bars provide drinks throughout the event.

The festival has previously included themed bars and The Watchtower, which features locally brewed ales. Visitors can expect a range of food choices rather than a programme focused exclusively on one cuisine.

Vegetarian options and different dietary choices are available, although visitors with specific allergies or dietary requirements should check individual trader information before purchasing.

The festival operates as a cashless event, with major debit and credit cards and contactless payment methods accepted.

Visitors may bring permitted food and soft drinks into the campsite for personal consumption, but campsite food and drinks cannot be taken into the main arena. Glass containers are prohibited.

Accessibility

Y Not Festival provides dedicated accessibility support through Nimbus Disability and its Access Card system.

Accessibility facilities can include an accessible campsite, accessible toilets and showers, a Changing Places facility, medical refrigeration, charging facilities and accessible parking.

Wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms are available at major performance areas including the Main Stage and The Quarry. A ground-level viewing area is also provided at the Main Stage.

The festival site contains natural countryside terrain, including grass, gravel, inclines and uneven surfaces. Weather conditions can also affect accessibility across the site.

Essential Companion tickets are available for qualifying visitors through the festival’s accessibility application process. Visitors requiring accessibility support should apply in advance rather than waiting until arrival.

Best days to attend

Thursday is the best choice for visitors who want the complete festival experience and prefer to arrive before the main weekend crowds. It also gives campers more time to settle into the campsite.

Friday and Saturday are likely to be the busiest and most active days, with a broad selection of performances across the stages and extensive evening entertainment.

Sunday provides the closing atmosphere and final performances. It can suit visitors who prefer a shorter weekend experience while still wanting to experience the festival’s main programme.

For first-time visitors who want the fullest Y Not experience, attending from Thursday through Sunday provides the greatest opportunity to explore the stages, food areas, camping environment and wider festival programme.

Previous year’s highlights

Y Not Festival 2026 featured a strong headline programme led by The Libertines, The Reytons, Two Door Cinema Club and The Streets.

Other notable performers included Kaiser Chiefs, Scissor Sisters, The Vaccines, Happy Mondays, Rizzle Kicks, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Dizzee Rascal and The Snuts.

The 2026 programme demonstrated Y Not’s broad musical identity, bringing together indie, rock, alternative, pop, electronic and hip-hop performers across multiple stages.

The festival’s countryside location, food traders, themed bars, comedy, family activities and late-night entertainment also contributed to the overall festival experience.

The 2027 edition will build on this history while celebrating two decades of Y Not Festival.

Ticket types

Y Not offers several ticket categories covering standard weekend attendance, additional Thursday access, premium camping, VIP experiences, glamping, live-in vehicles and parking.

Current published ticket options include Adult Weekend, Youth Weekend, family camping, child tickets, Thursday entry upgrades, Paradise Peaks, glamping, live-in vehicle passes and Tony’s VIP.

The currently published Tier 6 prices, converted from pounds sterling to U.S. dollars at approximately $1.347 per £1, include:

• Weekend Friday-Sunday entry and camping: $269.40 plus booking fees
• Weekend plus Thursday entry and camping: $336.75 plus booking fees
• Weekend plus Paradise Peaks: $404.10 plus booking fees
• Weekend plus Thursday and Paradise Peaks: $471.45 plus booking fees
• Thursday Entry Upgrade: $67.35 plus booking fees
• Tony’s VIP: $67.35 plus booking fees
• Glamping: from $875.55
• Live-In Vehicle: from $202.05
• Car Park: $40.41 plus booking fees
• Children aged 6–12: $20.21 plus booking fees
• Children aged 5 and under: $6.74 plus booking fees

Ticket availability and prices can change as allocations sell out, so visitors should check the official ticket page before purchasing.

Ticket release phases

Y Not uses a tiered ticketing system, with different ticket allocations released at different price levels.

Earlier tiers generally provide the opportunity to purchase tickets at lower prices, while later tiers become available as earlier allocations sell out. The tier does not represent a different level of festival access for standard tickets.

The 2027 edition was promoted with a Super Early Bird ticket release ahead of general ticket sales as part of the festival’s 20th-anniversary campaign.

The currently published ticket information shows later-tier pricing, demonstrating that the 2027 ticket campaign has progressed beyond the earliest release phase.

Visitors who already know they want to attend should check the official ticket page rather than waiting for another tier, as availability can change.

VIP/Village options

Tony’s VIP provides an enhanced experience within the main festival arena. The VIP area has previously included food traders, flushing toilets, a private bar and late-night DJs.

Paradise Peaks is the premium camping option, providing upgraded facilities including hot showers, improved toilets, pamper facilities and an exclusive arena entrance.

Glamping is designed for visitors who want a more comfortable accommodation experience without relying on traditional camping. Options can include pre-pitched accommodation and access to enhanced facilities.

Live-In Vehicle passes are available for eligible campervans and motorhomes, subject to the festival’s vehicle requirements.

Festival rules

Y Not Festival has rules covering entry, alcohol, camping equipment, prohibited items, vehicles, food, cooking and re-entry.

Glass containers are prohibited. Visitors can bring permitted alcohol into the campsite under the festival’s conditions, but alcohol cannot be brought back into the festival after re-entry.

Naked flames, fireworks, disposable barbecues and similar items are prohibited. Certain cooking equipment, gas canisters and other potentially hazardous items are restricted.

All visitors require an appropriate ticket, and under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Identification requirements also apply when purchasing alcohol.

Visitors should read the latest official terms and conditions before travelling because festival rules can change between editions.

How to get there

Y Not Festival is located at Pikehall in Derbyshire and can be reached by car, train, coach and taxi.

Visitors driving to the festival should follow the official directions and use the designated festival car parks. Parking should be arranged in advance where possible because spaces are limited.

For rail travel, Matlock and Buxton are the most useful nearby railway stations. Visitors then need to continue their journey by bus, taxi, coach or another arranged transport service.

Big Green Coach operates dedicated festival travel from selected UK cities and has previously offered services from Birmingham, Derby, Doncaster, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Stoke-on-Trent.

Visitors using taxis should use the festival’s designated collection and drop-off arrangements rather than arranging roadside collection on surrounding rural lanes.

Official tickets

Y Not Festival tickets should be purchased through the festival’s official ticketing channels. The official website provides information about weekend tickets, Thursday upgrades, camping, Paradise Peaks, VIP, glamping, live-in vehicles and parking.

The festival also supports official fan-to-fan resale through Tixel. Visitors should avoid unauthorised ticket sellers because tickets purchased through unofficial channels may not be valid.

Official website: Y Not Festival

Official tickets: Y Not Festival Tickets

Festival address: Pikehall, Derbyshire, DE4 2PG

General contact: hello@ynotfestival.com

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