Bearded Theory

The clock’s ticking, it’s nearly time for another crazy year!

Here’s some information we think will be useful please take some time to read it.

Arriving by car or motorcycle?

A width restriction exists on the Chetwynd Bridge (A38 junction with the A513 for Rugeley/Tamworth/Alrewas). This junction and bridge remain our primary route for cars and motorcycles but prevents access for most campervans and caravans.

Standard cars and motorcycles should follow directions towards Catton Park (DE12 8LL) until you see our festival event road signage. From there, turn off your sat nav and follow the AA routing signs. Please do not follow your sat nav when approaching the festival site due to another very narrow bridge in Walton-upon-Trent.

If you are travelling in any vehicle that is not a car or motorcycle, please thoroughly read through the routes on our website: Directions & Travel Information | Bearded Theory choose the one that is most suitable for your starting location. All vehicles that are not cars or motorcycles, please follow the directional advice for campervans/caravans – you will be able to access the car parks without issue.

Arriving with a caravan/campervan?

All live in vehicle passes have been posted out in advance if you haven’t received yours, please get in touch with us ASAP at info@beardedtheory.co.uk .

A restriction exists on the Chetwynd Bridge (A38 junction with the A513 for Rugeley/Tamworth/Alrewas). No campervans or caravans will be permitted to cross the Chetwynd Bridge. Prescribed routes for campervans and caravans have been declared and can be viewed here: Directions & Travel Information | Bearded Theory From each of these points, event signage will direct you safely to the festival site (all caravans should follow ‘campervan’ signage as the same rules will apply).

Some sat navs will suggest multiple routes to a fixed postcode. Based on your starting location, please choose the most appropriate route which avoids both the Chetwynd Bridge (A38 junction with the A513 for Rugeley/Tamworth/Alrewas) and the Walton-on-Trent Bailey Bridge (Station Lane).

Be aware that the waypoint postcodes are simply road locations where you can pick up and follow the event signage from. They are not safe areas to stop and meet up with others.

Keep driving with the flow of the traffic and avoid stopping or pulling over. The police will be enforcing a tow away zone for any pulled over vehicles.

Don’t forget to clearly display your campervan stickers in your windscreen, have your tickets ready and follow the instructions from the traffic marshals.

PLEASE PLAN YOUR JOURNEY AND BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS.

Arriving by public transport?

The festival will be operating a £20 shuttle bus from Tamworth Train Station.  The service will run between 11am – 2pm and 4pm – 7pm on Thursday, with a return service between 7.30am and 12pm on Monday morning.  Don’t forget the traffic will be heavy leaving the festival on Monday morning, please plan enough time to get your connecting train for your journey home.  More travel information can be found here, Directions & Travel Information | Bearded Theory and tickets can be booked here Bearded Theory Tickets | alt. tickets.

Other train stations close to Catton Park are Lichfield and Burton-on-Trent, from there you can get a taxi to the festival where we will have a designated drop-off point. Likewise, if you’re getting a lift from someone, you can follow the festival road signs to the drop off point.

Arriving on Wednesday?

This is by advance booking only; all tickets are now sold out.

Festival gates will open on Wednesday 20th May at 9am for Wednesday ticket holders only. Please do not arrive before this time. Please do not arrive on Wednesday unless you have already purchased your Wednesday add on ticket.

A Wednesday add on ticket is only valid with a full Weekend ticket.

Upon arrival, your Wednesday add on ticket, and your full weekend ticket will be scanned, and you will receive your wristband to allow you access to the festival site for the full weekend. All Wednesday add on tickets are e-tickets.

Please download, print, or screenshot your e-tickets & passes before you leave home and have them ready in advance of your arrival to speed up queue times.

Please do not travel in a campervan unless you have pre-booked a 5-day campervan pass.

All cars/campervans/caravans/motorbikes staying on site will need a vehicle pass.

Campervans, caravans and power hook ups purchased have been posted to you. All passes posted to you must be clearly displayed in your windscreen on your approach to the festival.

General entry advice

Festival gates open for all on Thursday 21st May at 9am.

Please do not arrive before this time.

Entry to the site will be available from Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm.

Please download, print, or screenshot your e-tickets & passes before you leave home and have them ready in advance of your arrival to speed up queue times, don’t rely on your Wi-Fi as it may not work.

Please do not travel in a campervan unless you have pre-booked a campervan pass. Our campervan fields are fully booked.

All cars/campervans/caravans/motorbikes staying on site will need a vehicle pass.

Car parking

All Cars and motorcycles need a car parking ticket; a weekend and camping ticket does not include vehicle parking. You can pre-book your car parking space for £33.00 here: Bearded Theory Tickets | alt. tickets Alternatively, car parking passes will be available on the day for £35.00 (cash only). 1 pass is needed for the whole weekend. Sleeping in any vehicle in the car park is prohibited.

Have your parking pass e-ticket ready to be scanned on entry to the car parks and follow the instructions from our marshals.

Blue Badge car parking

Please book a general car parking ticket and additionally display your blue badge. Stewards will direct you to blue badge parking situated near to the main wristband exchange entrance.

What to bring and what not to bring

DO BRING:

Tickets – downloaded/printed or screenshot ready to be scanned.

Credit or debit card, or phone payment methods

Cash, but not too much for your own security! (a cash point is available on site if you prefer to use cash)

Portable phone chargers

Ear protection, especially for little people

Clothing & footwear that is suitable for all weather.

Suncream & hats

DON’T BRING:

Large amounts of cash

Tents that are bigger than you need, smaller tents = more space for all!

Disposable BBQs, campfires, firepits & braziers

Everything including the kitchen sink, travel light, you know it makes sense!

Prohibited items: glass, fireworks, Chinese lanterns, weapons, unauthorised soundsystems or personal generators, diesel, petrol or fuel containers, illegal drugs, drones, animals (except assistance pets), goods for sale, air horns, laser pens.

Bars & Food vendors

This year we are operating 6 bars throughout the main festival arena, serving at all the main stages, plus the Black Iris beer garden. The bars will be open from midday, Wednesday to Sunday. You can bring alcohol for personal consumption into the arena, but Bearded Theory relies financially on the bar take. Please, please help to support the festival by spending money at the bars.

There are also a wide range of food vendors on site this year. You can view the full list of traders and Brewer information on the Bearded Theory website here: www.beardedtheory.co.uk/explore/food/

Programmes & Merch

Please support the festival by buying our official merch and programmes. Our official festival programmes will be available to purchase from the merch stand and from our hawkers around the site. The official souvenir book includes a festival site map, set times, other information for the weekend. Official Bearded Theory merchandise will be available to purchase from our Merch stall in the main arena. Look for the festival merch tent next to the Pallet Stage.

Wi-Fi

Free wi-fi hotspots will be available at our bars this year, excluding Big Ed’s Bar and the Black Iris Beer Garden.

Going home

The site closes on Monday at midday.

Plan your departure time, try and avoid the mid-morning rush!

Make sure you have food and drink for the journey, especially if you have kids in tow.

Collect up all your belongings and please use the bins provided for your rubbish.

Be patient, allow plenty of time to get home, drive carefully.

Save the date: 26-30 May 2027

Join the mailing list to hear all our future news: https://arep.co/m/bt-web-signup – you don’t want to miss out!

More information can be found at www.beardedtheory.co.uk/about/faqs/

We are excited today to share our latest wave of artists set to play the 2026 edition of Bearded Theory! Newly announced are Mercury-nominated favourites Everything Everything, boundary pushing icons The Horrors, revered Scottish outfit The Twilight Sad, acid-house pioneer A Guy Called Gerald, counter culture figurehead and author Irvine Welsh, underground legend Jon Spencer, and psychedelic prog veterans Ozric Tentacles. Also joining the lineup are buzzy indie-pop trio Swim School, American indie rock artist Sir Chloe, post-punk firecrackers Opus Kink, afro-psychedelic future poppers BCUC, alongside The Leisure Society, Tankus, Rianne Downey, Better Joy, Basht., Black Water County, DIY Soundsystem, The Beatles Dub Club, and many more.

Additionally, Beans on Toast’s annual Foolhardy Takeover of the Woodland stage returns, with the artist curating a hand-picked selection of acts. Names joining previously announced comedian Stewart Lee and Beans on Toast include Katacombs, K.O.G Soundsystem, Mr Bruce, Nuala & Tankus.

A luxurious new boutique offering arrives in the form of The Junkyard. Iconic silver trailers bring a slice of retro Americana to Bearded Theory, complete with all the modern comforts you’d expect. Think plush beds, private showers, and a space that feels like home – but shinier. With some additional accommodation such as boutique camping already sold out, space in the Airstreams along with options like pre-pitched tents can be booked here.

Dedicated wellness and crafting sector, EARTH promises a sanctuary of serenity and creativity at Bearded Theory. Here, festival goers can unwind and recharge weary limbs between sets. EARTH blossoms with eco-conscious, hands-on creativity, from pottery painting to basket weaving, immersive workshops and healing experiences, making it a haven of calm. Additionally, returning from last year, the Sauna Box – a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience – gives festival-goers a chance to find a moment of inner peace amidst the festival chaos.

FULL LINEUP:

Pixies

Garbage

Skunk Anansie

CMAT

The Damned

Kae Tempest

Everything Everything

Fat Dog

Badly Drawn Boy

Bad Nerves

Big Special (T)

Ferocious Dog

Getdown Services

Idlewild

Kate Nash

Kid Kapichi

Lambrini Girls (T)

NewDad

Panic Shack

Peter Hook and the Light

Reverend and the Makers

Sprints

The Horrors

The Twilight Sad

A Certain Ratio (T)

A Guy Called Gerald

Adult DVD

Au Pairs

Basht.

BCUC (T)

Beans on Toast

Better Joy

Bez

Chalk

Dub Pistols (DJ Set)

Eat Static (DJ Set)

EMF (W)

GANS (W)

Girl Scout

Goldie

Good Health Good Wealth

Graeme Park

Heartworms

Henge

Irvine Welsh

jasmine.4.t

Jon Spencer

Kezia Gill

King Prawn

Leeroy Thornhill (ex Prodigy)

Neville Staple – From The Specials

Opus Kink

Ozric Tentacles

Phil Hartnoll (Orbital DJ set)

Pop Will Eat Itself

Rianne Downey

Senser

Sir Chloe

Stewart Lee

Swim School

The Magic Numbers

The Molotovs

The Sabres of Paradise (Live)

The Unthanks (T)

The Wedding Present

The Wildhearts

Toots and the Maytals feat Leba Hibbert

Utah Saints

Venus Grrrls (T)

Westside Cowboy

3 Daft Monkeys (T)

Amelia Coburn

An Dannsa Dub (T)

Andrea Kenny (T)

Black Water County

Bloodworm (T)

Cara Means Friend (W)

Chris Hawkins BBC 6 Music DJ Set (T)

DIY Soundsystem

DJ Rap

Drum Machine

Grandmas House

Jess Silk

Jools (W)

K.O.G Soundsystem

Katacombs

La Sécurité

LIINES (T)

Meatdripper (T)

Meryl Streek (W)

Miki Berenyi Trio

Mr Bruce

Muddy Summers and the DFWs (T)

Native James (T)

Nuala

She’s In Parties

Slay Duggee

Split Dogs (T)

Tankus

Taylor More Swiftly

Teke::Teke

The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican

The Beatles Dub Club

The League of Rebelz

The Leisure Society

The Nightingales and Ted Chippington

The Pale White

The Wran

thistle.

(W) playing Wednesday

(T) playing Thursday

We are excited today to share our second selection of artists to be added to the bill for 2026. Joining us are 90s alternative heavyweights Garbage, pioneering British punks The Damned, respected troubadour Kae Tempest, empowering indie-pop artist Kate Nash, Mercury-Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy, intelligently humorous Irish songwriter CMAT, powerpop rock n rollers Bad Nerves, Scottish indie rockers Idlewild, Hastings beat-punks Kid Kapichi, immersive indie rock quad NewDad, dancefloor fillers EMF, brother and sister pair rock band The Magic Numbers, and so many more.

We take great pride in supporting emerging artists, and the festival’s independent ethos paired with a strong commitment to championing new music alongside iconic household names, all without corporate sponsorship, ensure the event remains a true alternative offer to the mainstream. This year, we welcome 90s tinged up-and-comers Westside Cowboy, nu-metal rapper Native James, Irish dream-poppers She’s In Parties, UK punk collective Jools, melancholic heavy shoegazers thistle., Boygenius-endorsed songstress jasmine.4.t, gritty spoken-word duo Good Health Good Wealth, amongst others. Full list below.

Previously announced genre-spanning names include alt-rock legends Pixies in celebration of their 40th anniversary as a band, and genre-blending trailblazers Skunk Anansie. Additional exciting acts include Big Special, Fat Dog, Ferocious Dog, Getdown Services, Lambrini Girls, Panic Shack, Peter Hook and The Light (formerly of the influential post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order), Reverend and The Makers, Sprints, Heartworms, Pop Will Eat Itself, Venus Grrrls, The Wedding Present, Goldie, Neville Staple (The Specials), Stewart Lee, Utah Saints, Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy), Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Bez (Happy Mondays), Toots And The Maytals ft. Leba Hibbert, Graeme Park, Beans On Toast, and more.

Bearded Theory’s wondrously compact site punches well above its weight, with eight unique stages and areas bursting with music, dancing, and unfiltered joy. While the Pallet and Meadow stages deliver the biggest moments of the weekend, the Woodland stage offers a spellbinding, intimate escape – a hidden glade of unplugged sessions, raucous singalongs, and unforgettable late-night memories in the tree canopied silent disco. For those who wish to rave into the early hours, Big Ed and CODA return as the home for all things dance-oriented. Returning to the festival after its introduction at the last event is The Knockerdown – by day, an arts and Q&A hub, and by night, a raucous karaoke hotspot. Elsewhere, Convoy Cabaret, Maui Waui and Something Else Tea Tent provide a huge array of weird and wonderful, peaceful and powerful alternatives with a world of underground talent.

Dedicated wellness and crafting sector, EARTH promises a sanctuary of serenity and creativity at Bearded Theory. Here, festival goers can unwind and recharge weary limbs between sets. EARTH blossoms with eco-conscious, hands-on creativity, from pottery painting to basket weaving and immersive workshops, making it a haven of calm.

Meanwhile, the Festival School (the UK’s first of its kind) returns to the award-winning Children’s Area after receiving glowing praise from The Guardian, who lauded it as “probably the most inclusive school in the country.” With free places, a full curriculum, and lessons ranging from maths to mindfulness (and even DJ workshops) for pre-school, and years Reception through to Year 10, it’s a standout example of Bearded Theory’s commitment to family-friendly, meaningful experiences. The first batch of enrollments have already been completed, with additional spaces for parents to get a highly sought after spot for their kids coming on 2nd January at 6pm.

Bearded Theory festival presents attendees with monthly payment instalment plans, enabling buyers to spread the cost of purchase up until May 2026. Tickets are on sale now. For more info on the payment plans, camping options and facilities please go HERE.

“It’s got the laid-back, escape-from-reality vibe of Glastonbury without the step count.” The Guardian

“Bearded Theory should be the next port of call for any music lover simply interested in having a good time.” The Telegraph

“Thank the heavens for Bearded Theory.” Under The Radar

“Whether nine weeks old or 90 years young, a folkie or a punk, this place had something for every taste.” Birmingham Live

“The audience spans multiple generations, from kids to blue haired grandparents reliving their punk youths.” Classic Rock

Bearded Theory proves once again why it remains one of the UK’s most beloved alternative festivals. The highly-coveted, multi-award winning independent event is back at its idyllic homeland of Catton Park, Derbyshire on the 20-24th May, ready to spark another year of inspirational, community-driven, grassroots festivities. Nestled at the meeting point of the West Midlands, South Derbyshire and Staffordshire, and just two hours from 50% of the UK population, its prime location, beautiful setting and unmatched atmosphere make it the perfect place to kickstart your bank holiday weekend and get the festival season underway.

This year’s enthralling and eclectic headline offerings include alt-rock legends Pixies in celebration of their 40th anniversary as a band, and genre-blending trailblazers Skunk Anansie. Visceral spoken-word punks Big Special, the explosive energy of rising noise-rock outfit Fat Dog, anarchic folk-punk Ferocious Dog, delightfully sharp-tongued Bristolian’s Getdown Services, riotous punk force Lambrini Girls, the ferocious feminist punk of Panic Shack, who have risen up the bill with appearances at three of the last four years of the event, add further punch to a top-tier lineup. Joining them is iconic post-punk royalty Peter Hook and The Light (formerly of the influential post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order), Sheffield’s own Reverend and The Makers, and the sharp garage-rock stylings of Sprints.

Also gracing the stages is a genre-spanning array of the most exciting talent in the UK and beyond. From the politically charged post-punk of Heartworms and pioneering electro-industrial group Pop Will Eat Itself, to the grungy charm of Venus Grrrls, the cult indie quad The Wedding Present, and breakbeat trailblazing of Goldie, there’s something here for every corner of the alternative spectrum. Expect sharp wit and satirical strumming from returning Bearded Theory cult comedy-folk favourites The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, and boundary-pushing fusion from the ever-underground rap rockers Senser. Ska and 2-Tone icon Neville Staple (The Specials) brings energy to the party, while Stewart Lee delivers his signature blend of wit and satire. 90s dancefloor legends Utah Saints, Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy) & Phil Hartnoll (Orbital) return to the fields once more for a hit of rave nostalgia. Additional exciting names include Bez (Happy Mondays), Toots And The Maytals ft. Leba Hibbert, Graeme Park, Beans On Toast, and more.

On his return to the festival after a triumphant reception at last year’s event, Stewart Lee fondly recapped on why he holds Bearded Theory to such high regard. “Bearded Theory reminded me of what festivals used to be like, where a community of actual music fans come together to enjoy the music they love, rather than stand around disengaged eating expensive luxury food next to Jeremy Clarkson and the cheesemaking bassist from Blur. In a world where cost and culture has made the festival experience an exclusively middle class one, with Glastonbury another stop on the same Summer schedule as Glyndebourne, Bearded Theory seemed refreshingly egalitarian. And people can take supplies on site with them rather than having to spend even more once in. I’m so glad I was able to go with my teenage daughter so she could see how great these things can be.”

Meanwhile, the Festival School (the UK’s first of its kind) returns to the award-winning Children’s Area after receiving glowing praise from The Guardian, who lauded it as “probably the most inclusive school in the country.” With free places, a full curriculum, and lessons ranging from maths to mindfulness (and even DJ workshops) for pre-school, and years Reception through to Year 10, it’s a standout example of Bearded Theory’s commitment to family-friendly, meaningful experiences. The first batch of enrollments have already been completed, with additional spaces for parents to get a highly sought after spot for their kids coming on 2nd January.

BEARDED THEORY 2026 IS ON SALE NOW! 🍄🌳

Reasons to join the party early:
🐦 The earliest birds can also catch the Early & Super Early Bird tickets.
📅 A whole year of payment plans means splitting the cost into smaller monthly instalments than ever before.
🥶 Child and Teen tickets frozen at 2025 prices.
🤩 You’ll be one of the first to celebrate BT26 with a year to plan and build excitement!

Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/45IEUfk
See you in checkout! 👋

The team can’t wait to welcome you back for 2025!

Below is some information we think will be useful please take some time to read it.

Arriving by car or motorcycle?

Arriving with a caravan/campervan?

All live in vehicle passes have been posted out in advance if you haven’t received yours, please get in touch with us ASAP at info@beardedtheory.co.uk . The additional Wednesday add on early entry campervan pass is an e-ticket, please download this from your original confirmation.

A restriction exists on the Chetwynd Bridge (A38 junction with the A513 for Rugeley/Tamworth/Alrewas). No campervans or caravans will be permitted to cross the Chetwynd Bridge. Prescribed routes for campervans and caravans have been declared and can be viewed here: Directions & Travel Information From each of these points, event signage will direct you safely to the festival site (all caravans should follow ‘campervan’ signage as the same rules will apply).

Be aware that the waypoint postcodes are simply road locations where you can pick up and follow the event signage from. They are not safe areas to stop and meet up with others.

Keep driving with the flow of the traffic and avoid stopping or pulling over. The police will be enforcing a tow away zone for any pulled over vehicles.

Don’t forget to clearly display your campervan stickers in your windscreen, have your tickets ready and follow the instructions from the traffic marshals.

PLEASE PLAN YOUR JOURNEY AND BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS. 

Arriving by public transport?

The festival will be operating a £15 shuttle bus from Tamworth Train Station.  The service will run between 11am – 2pm and 4pm – 7pm on Thursday, with a return service between 7.30am and 12pm on Monday morning.  Don’t forget the traffic will be heavy leaving the festival on Monday morning, please plan enough time to get your connecting train for your journey home.  More travel information can be found here: Directions & Travel Information | Bearded Theory  and tickets can be booked here: Bearded Theory 2025 – Catton Park

Arriving on Wednesday?

This is by advance add-on ticket only, available here: www.alttickets.com/bearded-theory-tickets

Festival gates will open on Wednesday 21st May at 9am for Wednesday ticket holders. Please do not arrive before this time. Please do not arrive on Wednesday unless you have a Wednesday add on ticket.

A Wednesday add on ticket is only valid with a full Weekend pass and or a full campervan ticket.

Upon arrival, your Wednesday add on ticket and your full weekend ticket will be scanned and you will receive your wristband to allow you access to the festival site for the full weekend. All Wednesday add on tickets are e-tickets.

Please download, print, or screenshot your e-tickets & passes before you leave home and have them ready in advance of your arrival to speed up queue times.

Please do not travel in a campervan unless you have pre-booked a campervan pass and your Wednesday add on ticket.

All cars/campervans/caravans/motorbikes staying on site will need a vehicle pass.

Campervans, caravans and hook ups purchased will need an add on Wednesday ticket if you are arriving on Wednesday. This ticket is an additional ticket to your purchased full price campervan ticket. It only allows access to the power hook up area if that’s what you have paid full price for.

General entry advice

Festival gates open for all on Thursday 22nd May at 9am.

Please do not arrive before this time.

Entry to the site will be available from Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm.

Please download, print, or screenshot your e-tickets & passes before you leave home and have them ready in advance of your arrival to speed up queue times, don’t rely on your Wi-Fi as it may not work.

Please do not travel in a campervan unless you have pre-booked a campervan pass. Our campervan fields are fully booked.

All cars/campervans/caravans/motorbikes staying on site will need a vehicle pass.

Car parking

All Cars and motorcycles need a car parking ticket; a weekend and camping ticket does not include vehicle parking. You can pre-book your car parking space for £30.00 here: Bearded Theory 2025 – Catton Park Alternatively, car parking passes will be available on the day for £35.00 (cash only). 1 pass is needed for the whole weekend. Sleeping in any vehicle in the car park is prohibited.

Have your parking pass ready to be scanned on entry to the car parks and follow the instructions from our marshals.

Blue Badge car parking

Please book a general car parking ticket and additionally display your blue badge. Stewards will direct you to blue badge parking situated near to the main wristband exchange entrance.

What to bring and what not to bring

DO BRING:

Tickets – downloaded/printed or screenshot ready to be scanned.

Credit or debit card, or phone payment methods

Cash, but not too much for your own security! (a cash point is available on site if you prefer to use cash)

Portable phone chargers

Ear protection, especially for little people

Clothing & footwear that is suitable for all weather (remember last year!)

Suncream & hats (will be needed this year!)

DON’T BRING:

Large amounts of cash

Tents that are bigger than you need, smaller tents = more space for all!

Disposable BBQs, campfires, firepits & braziers

Everything including the kitchen sink, travel light, you know it makes sense!

Prohibited items: glass, fireworks, Chinese lanterns, weapons, unauthorised soundsystems or personal generators, diesel, petrol or fuel containers, illegal drugs, drones, animals (except assistance pets), goods for sale, air horns, laser pens.

Bars & Food vendors

This year we will be operating 6 bars throughout the main festival arena, serving at all the main stages, plus the Black Iris beer garden. The bars will be open from midday, Wednesday to Sunday. You can bring alcohol for personal consumption into the arena, but Bearded Theory relies financially on the bar take. Please, please help to support the festival by spending money at the bars. There are also a wide range of food vendors on site this year.

You can view the full list of traders and Brewer information on the Bearded Theory website here: www.beardedtheory.co.uk/explore/food/

Programmes & Merch

Please support the festival by buying our official merch and programmes. Our official festival programmes will be available to purchase from the merch stand and from our hawkers around the site. The official souvenir book includes a festival site map, set times, other information for the weekend and will be available as a package with the lanyard for £15.00. Or you can purchase a program on its own for £10.00. Official Bearded Theory merchandise will be available to purchase from our Merch stall in the main arena. Look for the festival merch tent next to the Pallet Stage.

Wi-Fi

Free wi-fi hotspots will be available at our bars this year, excluding Big Ed’s Bar and the Black Iris Beer Garden.

Going home

The site closes on Monday at midday.

Plan your departure time, try and avoid the mid-morning rush!

Make sure you have food and drink for the journey, especially if you have kids in tow.

Collect up all your belongings and please use the bins provided for your rubbish.

Be patient, allow plenty of time to get home, drive carefully.

Save the date: 21-24 May 2026

Arrange to meet friends old and new, same place in 2026!

Join the mailing list to hear all our future news: beardedtheory.co.uk/contact-us/sign-up/

Sit back and relax, 2026 tickets will be released late summer.

More information can be found at www.beardedtheory.co.uk/about/faqs/

Newly announced to our 2025 line-up today include cinematic London based musical entity Public Service Broadcasting, British indie poppers Swim Deep, American hip-hop pioneers The Sugarhill Gang & The Furious Five, political psych pop band She Drew The Gun, hotly-tipped genre-bending duo Alt Blk Era, Welsh rock trio Mclusky, electronic dub group Dreadzone and many more.

Across the CODA and Big Ed stages are debaucherous new dance offerings from renown Scottish novelist turned DJ Irvine Welsh, jazz-funk jungalist maestro L.T.J Bukem, international DJ and innovative producer Mr C (The Shamen DJ Set – Live PA), highly influential 90’s rave duo Altern 8, Billy Daniel Bunter, Chris Liberator, Dub Pistols, Leeroy Thornhill (ex-Prodigy), Utah Saints & K-Klass return to CODA, Bearded Theory’s brand new dance-oriented area that launched last year to great success. Already announced, Phil Hartnoll of Orbital is not only returning to the festival after last year’s tremendous DJ set and stunning headline performance in the Meadow stage, but will be headlining the dance tent, alongside carefully curating his own night of electronic debauchery in CODA on the Saturday night.

They are joined by punk rock pioneer Iggy Pop, celebrated legendary band Manic Street Preachers, Paul Heaton, joined by special guest singer Rianne Downey, English rock institution The Sisters of Mercy, electronic innovators Leftfield, post-punk quartet Yard Act, unique Irish trailblazers The Mary Wallopers, Northern Irish vibrant virtuosos Ash, pop-country phenomenon CMAT, devilishly bass heavy duo Nova Twins, genre-spanning Fat Dog, alt-country grungers Divorce, British singer-songwriter Nadine Shah, Bristonian unique indie songstress Katy J Pearson, Chicago’s genre-defying experimentalist Ezra Furman, and many more, including but not limited to Mannequin Pussy, Terrorvision, The Lottery Winners, Antony Szmierek, The Alarm, The Vaselines, Gurriers, Lime Garden, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, The Lovely Eggs, Bess Atwell, Dream State, CLT DRP and Asian Dub Foundation.

A range of acts across our Convoy Cabaret, Maui Waui and Something Else Tea Tent stages have also been revealed, alongside some more comedy acts. Check out the full bill so far here.

Over the festive period in December, we unveiled a series of exciting new acts confirmed for the weekend each day as part of our festive Advent Calendar, spoiling all our fans for the Christmas period – they deserved it! Amongst the highlights were Mercury Award winners English Teacher, who will headline Thursday’s festivities, and Paul Heaton, joined by special guest singer Rianne Downey, rounding off the Pallet Stage’s impressive line-up of headliners.

Additional exciting names added include highly acclaimed British singer-songwriter Nadine Shah, Bristonian unique indie songstress Katy J Pearson, Chicago’s genre-defying experimentalist Ezra Furman, Philadelphia punk rock force of nature Mannequin Pussy, Bradford coveted alt-rockers Terrorvision, Manchester four piece indie poppers The Lottery Winners, indie hip-hop poet Antony Szmierek, Welsh alternative rock/new wave icons The Alarm, Glaswegian naïve-cum-abrasive rockers The Vaselines, high-energy Irish post-punk quintet Gurriers, renowned BBC 6Music presenter Chris Hawkins (DJ set), self-proclaimed frantic britpunkers The Meffs, theatrical grunge-pop musician Du Blonde, ska-adjacent punk quad Millie Manders & The Shutup and others. Full list below.

Previously announced headliners include punk rock pioneer Iggy Pop, celebrated legendary band Manic Street Preachers, English rock institution The Sisters of Mercy, electronic innovators Leftfield, post-punk quartet Yard Act, unique Irish trailblazers The Mary Wallopers, Northern Irish vibrant virtuosos Ash, pop-country phenomenon CMAT, devilishly bass heavy duo Nova Twins and genre-spanning Fat Dog. Joining them is a selection of the hottest acts of the year, including alt-country grungers Divorce, indie-electro Lime Garden, lo-fi psychedelic rockers The Lovely Eggs, dreamy folk composer Bess Atwell, post-hardcore quad Dream State, electro-punk CLT DRP, introspective indie rock band Slaney Bay, unique fusion activists Asian Dub Foundation and so many more.

Last year saw the launch of a brand new dance-oriented area, CODA. The tent was welcomed with open arms by attendees, with class acts like Orbital (DJ Set), Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy), Roni Size, 808 State, Utah Saints, The Orb and many more. This year, Bearded Theory is proud to share that Phil Hartnoll of Orbital is not only returning to the festival after last year’s tremendous DJ set and stunning headline performance in the Meadow stage, but will be headlining the dance tent, alongside carefully curating his own night of electronic debauchery in CODA on the Saturday night.

Bearded Theory’s wondrously compact site punches above its weight with eight unique stages and areas full of music, dancing and good times. While the main Pallet and Meadow stages showcase some of the biggest sets throughout the weekend, the magical Woodland stage provides an intimate and idyllic setting for folkier sounds and rock sets alike.

Bearded Theory festival presents attendees with monthly payment instalment plans, enabling buyers to spread the cost of purchase up until May 2025. Tickets are on sale now. For more info on the payment plans, camping options and facilities please go HERE.

Bearded Theory, together with fellow Catton Park events Bloodstock Festival and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival, are shining a spotlight on the enormous positive impact these long-standing events have on the local economy. A recently commissioned independent survey carried out by Bluegrass Research reveals that these three award-winning festivals contribute over £16 million annually to the regional economy, amounting to £160 million over the next decade.

However, this vital economic contribution is under threat due to ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly the state of the historic Chetwynd Bridge – the primary access route to Catton Park and its surrounding communities. Chetwynd Bridge, a Grade II*-listed structure built in 1824, is no longer able to support the volume of modern traffic it endures today. Due to its historic significance, English Heritage has stated that the council cannot carry out the recommended work needed to make the bridge more structurally sound, resulting in the need to build a new bridge. Width and weight restrictions have already been implemented, causing significant disruption to not only the events, but to local traffic and business, especially farming. Emergency services are also affected, given the width restriction of the Baily Bridge at Walton. Plans for a new alternative bridge (with Chetwynd Bridge preserved for cyclists and pedestrians) have already been discussed, but local authorities say they lack the funds to progress with construction.

“The success of the events at Catton, which bring in a significant amount of money to the local economy, are in a large part, due to the easy access to Catton Park from the A38, which does not disrupt any local villages” said Ollie Neilson, landowner of Catton Estate. “If the Chetwynd Bridge were to close, traffic would be diverted through rural communities in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, causing significant disruption to residents and event attendees alike. The potential economic and community impact of inaction is staggering.”

Bloodstock Festival and Bearded Theory have taken proactive measures to minimise strain on the local infrastructure. Both festivals have extended their arrivals over two days, spreading out traffic to reduce congestion for local residents and alleviate pressure on the ageing bridge and surrounding roads. These changes have been widely praised by the community and have significantly improved traffic flow. While these measures help mitigate immediate issues, the long-term solution lies in building a new bridge that meets the needs of today’s traffic demands.

Bloodstock Festival, Bearded Theory, and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival are jointly urging local authorities, national policymakers, and other stakeholders to prioritise funding for the construction of a new bridge. The festivals collectively highlight how the £16 million annual income they generate every year far exceeds the estimated cost of building a replacement bridge, a project that would pay for itself many times over.

None of the events wish to have to relocate or discontinue, depriving the local area of this crucial income, but fear they may soon be backed into a corner with little choice. When so many independent festivals are closing every year – the latest report from the Association of Independent Festivals detailed 72 closing in the UK in 2024 alone (and a total of 204 since 2019) – factors such as local infrastructure remain critically important to their survival, whilst they face a sea of other challenges.

Bloodstock, Bearded Theory, and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival are committed to ensuring their long-term sustainability while continuing to drive growth and opportunity for the local economy. The festivals are calling on the community to join them, to amplify their voices, and urge policymakers to prioritise this critical infrastructure investment.

Bearded Theory returns to its idyllic homeland of Catton Park, Derbyshire on the 21-25th May for yet another year of inspirational, community driven, grassroots festivities. The festival borders three counties of West Midlands, South Derbyshire and Staffordshire and is only two hours away for 50% of the UK’s population; its prime location, beautiful site and wonderful atmosphere mean there’s truly no better place to spend your bank holiday.

This year’s enthralling and eclectic headline offerings consists of punk rock pioneer Iggy Pop, celebrated legendary band Manic Street Preachers, English rock institution The Sisters of Mercy, electronic innovators Leftfield, post-punk quartet Yard Act, unique Irish trailblazers The Mary Wallopers, Northern Irish vibrant virtuosos Ash, pop-country phenomenon CMAT, devilishly bass heavy duo Nova Twins and genre-spanning Fat Dog.

Joining the impressive lineup is a selection of the hottest acts of the year, including alt-country grungers Divorce, indie-electro Lime Garden, lo-fi psychedelic rockers The Lovely Eggs, dreamy folk composer Bess Atwell, post-hardcore quad Dream State, electro-punk CLT DRP, introspective indie rock band Slaney Bay, unique fusion activists Asian Dub Foundation and so many more.

Last year saw the launch of a brand new dance-oriented area, CODA. The tent was welcomed with open arms by attendees, with class acts like Orbital (DJ Set), Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy), Roni Size, 808 State, Utah Saints, The Orb and many more. The festival’s beloved giant forest head Big Ed exists as a truly unique to Bearded Theory experience, housing a DJ booth, leading attendees on a journey of musical euphoria throughout the day and into the early hours. Elsewhere, Convoy Cabaret, Maui Waui, Something Else Tea Tent and The Magic Teapot all provide individually quirky and delightful musical experiences and cosy havens all weekend.

Bearded Theory firmly believes that an education shouldn’t only exist within the boundaries of a traditional indoor space. For parents attending with children and teenagers, the festival is home to the UK’s first on site Festival School, which resides in the award-winning Children’s Area. The school requires official enrollment and permission from the children’s respective schools, runs from 9am-3pm for years Reception through till Year 10 on the Friday of the festival, and provides a huge itinerary of educational classes. Previous years have featured Maths (how to budget a music festival), PE classes by Derby County FC and Mr Motivator, Design & Technology (giving students the opportunity to create their own souvenir to take home!), Yoga, Parkour, Puppet Making, DJ workshops, Circus Skills & Acrobalance, English, Mindfulness, Healthy Eating and First Aid. We have even had BSL classes.

For those who seek additional entertainment outside of the musician offerings, the Earth Area at the festival provides the perfect opportunity to take a breath and explore the eco-conscious, crafty delights on offer at Bearded Theory festival. There’s a vast selection of hands-on activities to indulge in, from wooden pipe whittling, basket making, vinyl upcycling and lego, to thought-provoking discussions, poetry workshops, massages and tarot reading.

Whilst this area acts as a centralised hub for all your craft and healing desires, attendees are also treated to an assortment of other entertainment around the arena, whether that be singing their hearts out at Karaoke while sampling the vast selection of craft beer and cask ales at the Catton Fiddle on site pub, competing for best dressed at the annual themed costume party, dancing under canopied fairy lights in the Woodland’s after hours silent disco or under the stars with Big Ed, or winding down at the festival’s closer, the Meadow Movies outdoor cinema experience. The possibilities are endless.

Announced on the line-up so far:

IGGY POP • MANIC STREET PREACHERS
THE SISTERS OF MERCY • YARD ACT
LEFTFIELD • THE MARY WALLOPERS
CMAT • NOVA TWINS • ASH • FAT DOG

THROWING MUSES • DIVORCE • THE SELECTER
NED’S ATOMIC DUSTBIN • THE LOVELY EGGS
ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION • SHONEN KNIFE
BESS ATWELL • BEANS ON TOAST • STEWART LEE
LIME GARDEN • DREAM STATE • GIRLBAND!
MOLOTOV JUKEBOX* • ZION TRAIN

ANGELINE MORRISON • MAN/WOMAN/CHAINSAW • TRUPA TRUPA
MIKI BERENYI TRIO • GETDOWN SERVICES • THE DEEP BLUE • THE NONE
GAZ BROOKFIELD AND THE COMPANY OF THIEVES • AUDIOWEB • CLT DRP*
BENTLEY RHYTHM ACE • POPES OF CHILLITOWN • CASTLE RAT* • MERRY HELL
DAKKA SKANKS • SLANEY BAY* • SLAY DUGGEE • JESS SILK TRIO*
3 DAFT MONKEYS • MIDNIGHT RODEO* • THE BRANDY THIEVES*
THE BAR-STEWARD SONS OF VAL DOONICAN

*Performing on Thursday

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