Y Not Festival has announced a major expansion to its 2026 event with the introduction of two brand-new music venues aimed at broadening its late-night and electronic music programme.
The sold-out festival, which takes place at Pikehall in the Peak District between 30 July and 2 August, will welcome Dubtendo and Sub Culture as part of what organisers describe as their most ambitious edition to date.
The additions reflect the festival’s continued evolution beyond its indie roots, offering a wider mix of electronic, bass and underground music while retaining the independent spirit that has helped make Y Not one of the UK’s most popular summer festivals.
Gaming meets rave culture
One of the most eye-catching additions is Dubtendo, a live performance collective that combines video game nostalgia with drum and bass, jungle and grime.
Known for transforming iconic gaming soundtracks into high-energy rave anthems, Dubtendo blends live mixing, immersive visuals and cosplay-inspired performances to create a unique festival experience.
Festival organisers say the act has built a growing reputation on the UK festival circuit and is expected to be one of the standout attractions of the weekend.
New underground rave arena
The second new venue, Sub Culture, has been created exclusively for Y Not Festival and will offer a dedicated space for jungle, drum and bass, dubstep and UK garage.
Inspired by Peak District folklore and UK soundsystem culture, the custom-built arena will feature large-scale sound systems, immersive visual installations, fire effects and late-night performances beneath the woodland canopy.
Among the artists announced for Sub Culture are Smokescreen Soundsystem, Freestylers, Jungle Cakes vs Uncommon Records, Ed Solo, Deekline, Kleu, Resist, Speaker Louis, Grimsey, G-Class, FJD, Dope Ammo, DJ Bish and Crossy.
Late-night programme grows
The new venues form part of a wider expansion of Y Not’s after-hours entertainment, with activities running until 2am across multiple areas of the festival site.
The Quarry will continue to host a mix of emerging artists and its popular Silent Disco, while The Giant Squid returns with a programme focused on alternative rock, punk and metal.
Festival favourites Flamingo Jack’s, Club Malibu, The Hog & Barrel and The Pit will also return, offering everything from comedy and karaoke to intimate live music performances.
Following a record-breaking 2025 event, organisers confirmed that Y Not Festival 2026 sold out in February, several months earlier than usual, underlining growing demand for the Derbyshire event.
With the addition of Dubtendo and Sub Culture, organisers believe next summer’s festival will be its most diverse and expansive yet.
