Y Not Festival 2026 is gearing up to be the North’s most anticipated music event of the summer, taking place from July 30 to August 2. The 19th edition of this iconic festival has revealed its star-studded headliners and an impressive first wave of performers.
Kicking off the festivities on Thursday will be The Libertines, followed by an unforgettable weekend of performances from headliners Reytons, Two Door Cinema Club, and The Streets.
In addition, today’s announcement includes an exciting roster of acts such as Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, Happy Mondays, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Royston Club, Scouting For Girls, Ash, Reverend And The Makers, Keo, and Freddie Halkon, ensuring festival-goers will experience a diverse and high-energy lineup throughout the weekend.
If this isn’t enough Y Not Festival news for you why not take a look at our review of the 2025 edition here!
Y Not Festival 2026 Announces Headliners and First Wave of Artists for Unforgettable Weekend
Headliners
Thursday – The Libertines
Headlining the early entry on Thursday are The Libertines.Formed in London in 1997, legendary Indie Rock band The Libertines became a defining force in the British music scene with their unique blend of raw garage rock and poetic lyrics. Founded by frontmen Pete Doherty and Carl Barât, The Libertines quickly rose to prominence, earning a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
After a brief hiatus, the band made a highly anticipated return, releasing their fourth studio album, ‘All Quiet On the Eastern Esplanade‘ in 2024. This long-awaited album, more than two decades after their formation, marks a triumphant comeback, showcasing The Libertines’ enduring songwriting talent and reigniting the excitement of their loyal fanbase.
Friday – Reytons
Having appeared on the lineup for Y NOT previously…The Reytons will be headlining Friday! They burst onto the UK music scene in 2017 with a run of standout EPs that quickly gained traction among indie rock fans. Their momentum escalated with the release of their debut album, Kids Off the Estate, in 2021, which broke into the UK Top 20 and cemented their status as one of the most exciting new bands in British indie rock.
In 2023, The Reytons expanded their sound with the dynamic and more adventurous What’s Rock and Roll?, a record that resonated with fans nationwide and soared straight to Number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Despite growing industry attention, the four-piece have remained committed to their independent ethos, doubling down on their DIY spirit with their latest release, Ballad Of A Bystander. The album reinforces their reputation for authentic storytelling, raw energy, and a fan-first approach that continues to set them apart in today’s music landscape.
Saturday – Two Door Cinema Club
Headlining Saturday are Two Door Cinema Club, the iconic Northern Irish band, are known for their unique fusion of guitar-driven post-punk hooks and danceable electronic polish. The band first captured widespread attention with their breakthrough album Tourist History in 2010. Their infectious sound quickly became a defining force in the indie music scene.
The band have continuously tweaked their formula leading to a varied style that has seen them score many albums in the top 20 or even top ten!
Sunday – The Streets
The Streets, led by visionary artist Mike Skinner, are set to ignite the stage as headliners on Sunday with a powerful, nostalgia-fuelled performance. It promises to be packed with the era-defining anthems that shaped a generation. Known for blending sharp storytelling with innovative UK garage and hip-hop influences, The Streets continue to hold an iconic place in British music.
Fans can look forward to timeless hits including the infectious ‘Fit But You Know It’ and the emotionally charged ‘Dry Your Eyes’ both are tracks that cemented the group’s cultural impact. Their landmark 2004 album, A Grand Don’t Come for Free, became a defining release for UK music, capturing the voice and experiences of a generation.
Other Acts Announced
Kaiser Chiefs
Formed in Leeds in 2000, Kaiser Chiefs are one of the UK’s most influential rock bands. Fronted by Ricky Wilson, the band—Simon Rix, Andrew White, Nick Baines , and Vijay Mistry, have delivered a string of anthemic hits. Including ‘Oh My God,’ ‘I Predict A Riot,’ and ‘Ruby.’ Their energetic sound has earned them three Brit Awards and over 8 million albums sold.
The Vaccines
Since their 2011 debut album, The Vaccines have been a staple of the UK indie rock scene. Known for their infectious melodies and stadium-ready hooks, the band has continued to captivate fans worldwide with albums like Come of Age, English Graffiti, and Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations. They have solidified their status as festival favourites both in the UK and internationally.
Happy Mondays
Happy Mondays were key figures in the Madchester movement of the late ’80s and ’90s. Led by Shaun Ryder, the band blended UK indie, acid house, funk, techno, and even psychedelia to create their unique sound. Happy Mondays pushed boundaries, crafting adventurous, genre-defying sounds that became iconic in British music history.
The Royston Club
The Royston Club have quickly become known for their whimsical yet uplifting indie rock, with melodic guitar lines and anthemic choruses. Their debut single, ‘Shawshank’, set the tone with a sunny, reflective vibe that would define their sound. In 2025, The Royston Club returned with their sophomore album, Songs for the Spine.
Scouting For Girls
With a career spanning two decades, Scouting For Girls have become indie-pop legends, known for anthems like ‘She’s So Lovely’. Their journey began with their triple-platinum debut album in 2007, and they’ve been captivating fans ever since. Fresh off the 15th-anniversary edition of Everybody Wants To Be On TV, the band has announced a major UK and Ireland headline tour for 2026, reaffirming their place as a powerhouse in the indie music scene.
Ash
With three decades of timeless indie-punk anthems, Ash continue to push boundaries. From their iconic hit ‘Girl From Mars’ and debut album 1977 to the award-winning Free All Angels, the band’s career has been marked by inventive music and bold concepts. Their 2025 album, Ad Astra, follows the success of Race the Night, their pandemic-inspired release, which became their highest-charting album in 20 years.
Reverend And The Makers
Reverend And The Makers have evolved across a broad creative spectrum, from collective efforts to frontman-led visions. Their seventh studio album, Heatwave In The Cold North, captures their bold, heartfelt sound, marking one of their most innovative releases to date.
Keo
Keo, led by brothers Finn, and Conor Keogh , along with Oli Spackman and Jimmy Lanwern, blend ’90s grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock into an urgent, emotional sound. Influenced by legends like Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, and The Smashing Pumpkins. Their music features Finn’s raw, rasping vocals, reflecting on themes of trust and toxic relationships, building to cathartic emotional releases.
Freddie Halkon
Freddie Halkon is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most exciting new artists. With a diverse sound that spans indie guitar anthems to acoustic ballads, Freddie’s lyrics resonate deeply. His breakout single, ‘Come Around Again’, captured the essence of youth and summer, while ‘Girl In The Smoking Area’ showcased his talent for crafting catchy hooks and exploring themes like jealousy.
Even More Acts
- Dizzee Rascal
- Rizzle Kicks
- The Snuts
- The Fratellis
- The Enemy
- Lottery Winners
- Hard-Fi
- Pale Waves
- Sleeper
- Vanessa Carlton
- Lucy Spraggan
- Kid Kapichi
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor
- Florence Road
- The Clause
- Overpass
- Black Honey
- Deco
- The Lilacs
- The Rosadocs
- Dea Matrona
- Beans On Toast
- Brooki
- Raised By Owls
- Bloodworm
- The Lancashire Hotpots
- King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
- Barrioke (Sean Williamson)
- Mr Motivator
About Y Not Festival 2026: A Unique Music Experience in the Heart of Derbyshire
Returning for its highly anticipated nineteenth edition, Y Not Festival 2026 will take place from July 31 to August 3 in the scenic village of Pikehall, Derbyshire. What began in 2005 as a humble house party in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside has since grown into one of the UK’s most beloved and homegrown music festivals.
True to its roots, Y Not Festival continues to deliver an unforgettable experience with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, a variety of local ales, a mouth-watering selection of food, and an eclectic mix of live music performances.
Whether you’re there for the music, the atmosphere, or the friendly, welcoming vibe, all you need to bring is yourself, some wellies, and a killer fancy dress outfit. With a rich history and commitment to community spirit, Y Not Festival remains one of the most authentic and exciting music festivals in the UK.
Tickets & Prices:
- Adult Weekend Camping Tickets from £169 + booking fee
- Family, child, and youth tickets available. For full pricing and ticket information, visit www.ynotfestival.com/tickets.
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