Arrival and Trek from the Car Park
Arriving at the YNot Festival, my first challenge was the steep walk up from the car park, dragging my heavily laden festival trolley behind me, perhaps I shouldn't have packed so much beer.. One of the disadvantages of being set in the beautiful rolling Derbyshire landscape is the challenging trek in the heat, but the stunning scenery made it somewhat bearable.
After the uphill journey, slightly red-faced I collected my wristband and headed to the campsite. The festival vibe was already palpable, with fellow festival-goers bustling about, setting up their temporary homes for the weekend. After a bit of effort (very little with my pop up tent tbh), my camp was ready, and I could relax and soak in the atmosphere.
First Bands of the Day
My musical weekend began at the main stage with Michael Aldag. His performance was energetic, blending catchy lyrics with an infectious stage presence that quickly drew in the crowd. His mix of upbeat tracks and heartfelt ballads set the tone for the rest of the day.
Following him, Eighty Eight Miles took the stage at The Allotment and quickly became the highlight of my day. This up-and-coming band hails from the midlands and has been making waves in the indie rock scene. Known for their high-energy performances and catchy tunes, Eighty Eight Miles did not disappoint. Their set was electrifying, a combination of driving guitar riffs, pulsating rhythms, and captivating vocals. Their standout track, "Running Through the Night," had everyone dancing and singing along
In the midst of the performances, the skies briefly darkened, and there was a sudden downpour. However, the rain quickly passed, and the festival spirit remained undampened.
Getting hungry
Feeling a bit peckish later in the afternoon, I decided to investigate the food offerings. The food stalls offered a variety of options. I tried ostrich burger (having recently fallen off the veggie wagon) with Jack Daniels onions 🤤 which was delicious and surprisingly satisfying, offering a twist on the usual festival fare.
Evening Performances and Headliners
As evening fell, I made my way to the Big Gin stage for a trio of performances that defined the night. Black Honey delivered a powerful set, characterized by their gritty guitar work and the magnetic presence of lead singer Izzy B. Phillips. Their blend of alternative rock and pop sensibilities had the crowd moving and eagerly anticipating the next act.
The Kooks followed, bringing a wave of nostalgia with them. Their performance was a perfect mix of new hits and classics like "Naïve" and "She Moves in Her Own Way," which had everyone singing along. The band's tight musicianship and charismatic stage presence made for a highly enjoyable set.
The headliners, Snow Patrol, were the perfect Friday night headliner. They moved through a setlist filled with hits like "Chasing Cars" and "Run." The emotional depth of their songs combined with the band's impeccable live performance created an unforgettable experience. Their set was a perfect blend of nostalgic hits and emotional moments, leaving the crowd on a high.
Back to camp
With the last notes of Snow Patrol still echoing in my mind, I headed back to my tent. Despite the onset of some overnight rain and the unfortunately terrible state of the toilets, the day really put me in a summer mood. Much needed after a few stressful weeks at work, and was a great start to what promises to be a fantastic festival weekend.
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