It’s been a few weeks since Y Not Festival 2018, and while headliners The Libertines, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Jamiroquai delivered incredible performances, the festival’s true charm lies in the hidden gems and rising stars who graced the stages throughout the weekend. From sing-along favourites to unexpected discoveries, here are our top five acts that stole the show—none of them headliners but all deserving of a spotlight.
1. The Wombats
The Wombats proved to be a definite crowd-pleaser. Their set, filled with fan favorites like “Lemon to a Knife Fight” and “Let’s Dance to Joy Division”, had the audience jumping and singing along from start to finish. Despite the looming storm, the band’s infectious energy made everyone forget about the weather, and, fittingly, the sun even peeked out as soon as they started playing. For many, this set was one of the highlights of the weekend.
2. Tom Walker
Dressed in his signature bright yellow jacket, Tom Walker delivered a powerful performance that resonated with fans across the festival grounds. His hits “Leave a Light On” and “My Way” were sung in perfect sync by the crowd, creating a magical moment where Walker’s soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics connected deeply with his fans. He even surprised the audience with a cover of “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” by Mike Posner, which was met with cheers. Walker’s live performance matched the raw emotion of his studio recordings, leaving no doubt that he’s destined for future headlining slots.
3. Sam Fender
One of the most talked-about performances of the festival came from Sam Fender at The Quarry Stage. Although many festival-goers weren’t familiar with him beforehand, Fender’s jaw-dropping vocals and incredible stage presence left the audience in awe. As he performed, you could hear gasps and see wide-eyed expressions throughout the crowd, who quickly began to sway and dance to his tunes. His connection with the audience was natural and engaging, making him a standout act of the weekend. With his talent, it’s clear Sam Fender is an artist to watch.
4. Superfood
Due to the weather, Superfood’s set was moved from the main stage to The Quarry, and what could have been a setback turned into a blessing. The indoor setting amplified the visual effects, lighting, and overall atmosphere, making it an unforgettable performance. Superfood’s eclectic sound, blending indie and funk, was enhanced by the intimate stage, and their passionate fanbase fed off the electric energy. Although they may have thrived on the main stage, The Quarry’s unique vibe made their set feel even more special.
5. Tom Grennan
Without a doubt, Tom Grennan was the festival’s breakout star. His distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and catchy hits like “Found What I’ve Been Looking For”, “Royal Highness”, and “Barbed Wire” captivated a diverse crowd of fans of all ages. Grennan’s ability to engage the audience, whether they were longtime followers or festival-goers discovering him for the first time, was truly impressive. His performance cemented his status as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists, and it’s clear that his upcoming headline tour will be a must-see event.
