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‍ 21/22/23/24/25 | MAY 2025 | CATTON PARK, DERBYSHIRE

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.

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.

 

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. 

 

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. 

 

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 

Well, that certainly was a lot of fun. We are ✨100% READY✨ to go again. In fact, we can’t get the thought of it out of our heads, so….
BEARDED THEORY 2025 GOES ON SALE NEXT FRIDAY! 🥳🤩🥰

We’ll be releasing a limited number of tickets frozen at this year’s price, followed by our Super Early Bird and Early Bird tickets, all starting from 10am on 7th June 🐦‍⬛

Our payment plans are also going live at the same time, meaning you’ll now have the option to split the cost into even smaller chunks over the next 12 months 🎟

THANK YOU to our incredible crew, who truly outdid themselves this year; all the fantastic artists, bands and performers who shared their magic with us; and to you, our beautiful friends, for always bringing your positivity, fun, and joy to Bearded Theory. We love you all!

Honestly, we can’t thank you enough for your eternal optimism and the energy you bring to the fields each year, here’s to the next one 🌞🍻

Sign-up to get a reminder about tickets: www.alttickets.com/re/bearded-theory-2025

The Bearded Theory team can’t wait to welcome you back for our 2024 festival. Please find some further information about your event below.

 

Arriving by car or motorcycle?

An additional width restriction has been placed on the Chetwynd Bridge (A38 junction with the A513 for Rugeley/Tamworth/Alrewas). This junction and bridge remains our primary route for cars but prevents access for campervans and caravans. This year there are also multiple scheduled roadworks taking place in the area which may delay your journey.

 

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: www.beardedtheory.co.uk/about/directions/ and choose the one that is most suitable for your starting location. All vehicles that are not cars or motorcycle, please follow the directional advice for campervans/caravans – you will be able to access the car parks without issue.

 

Arriving with a caravan/campervan?

Please refer to our previous communication regarding your travel to the festival. An additional width restriction has been placed on the Chetwynd Bridge (A38 junction with the A513 for Rugeley/Tamworth/Alrewas). This year there are also multiple scheduled roadworks taking place in the area which may delay your journey.

 

No campervans or caravans will be permitted to cross the Chetwynd Bridge, which will be enforced without exception throughout the days of Bearded Theory (22nd-27th May 2024). Prescribed routes for campervans and caravans have been declared and can be viewed here: www.beardedtheory.co.uk/about/directions/

 

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).

 

Please 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.

 

Please 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.

 

Please have your tickets ready and follow the instructions of the traffic marshals.

 

PLEASE PLAN YOUR JOURNEY AND BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS.

 

Arriving by public transport?

The festival will be operating a £5 shuttle bus from Tamworth Train Station between 11am and 5pm on Thursday, with a returning service between 7:30am and 12pm on Monday morning. Traffic is likely to be heavy when leaving site so plan enough time for your journey back to the station. Advance tickets only, available here: www.alttickets.com/bearded-theory-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 year to alleviate pressures on the road network, we are opening on Wednesday 22nd May. This is by advance add-on ticket only, available here: www.alttickets.com/bearded-theory-tickets

  • Festival gates will open on Wednesday 22nd 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 ticket.
  • A Wednesday ticket is only valid with a full Weekend pass.
  • Upon arrival, your Wednesday ticket and your full weekend ticket will both be scanned and you will receive your wristband to allow you access to the festival site for the full weekend.
  • 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. Our campervan fields are fully booked.
  • All cars/campervans/caravans/motorbikes staying on site will need a vehicle pass.

 

General entry advice

  • Festival gates open for all on Thursday 23rd 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.
  • 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

You can pre-book your car parking space for £26.75 here: https://bit.ly/44WJyWO Alternatively, car parking passes will be available on the day for £30 (cash only). Sleeping in any vehicle in the car park is prohibited.

 

Blue Badge car parking

Please book a car parking ticket and 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 (you never know with the UK!)
  • Suncream & hats (fingers crossed we’ll need them!)

 

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.

 

Food vendors

There are a wide range of food vendors on site this year, you can view the full list on the Bearded Theory website here: www.beardedtheory.co.uk/explore/food/

 

Bars

This year we will be operating 6 bars throughout the main festival arena, serving at all the main stages. The bars will be open from midday, Wednesday to Sunday. You will be allowed to bring your own alcohol into the arena, but we ask that you please help to support the festival to keep the ticket price down by spending money at the bars. Brewer information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/bdvwrcw6

 

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 £10. A limited number of lanyards will be available for £5 on their own. Official Bearded Theory merchandise will be available to purchase from Merch stall in the main arena. Look out for the festival merch tent next to the Pallet Stage.

 

Wi-Fi

Free wi-fi hotspots will be available at all 5 of our main bars this year.

 

Follow along!

We’ll be sharing exclusive content throughout the weekend on facebook.com/beardedtheoryfest and instagram.com/beardedtheoryfestival, join in the fun and follow along – and make sure you tag us in all your pics!

 

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: May 22nd – 25th 2025

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

 

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

Get your highlighters ready… 📝our day splits are here!

Get planning your festival must-sees and let us know on socials who’ll be making it onto your agenda from the 22nd to the 26th May!

From Wednesday to Sunday, and across the Pallet, Meadow, Woodland, CODA, Convoy Cabaret and Maui Waui stages, we’re feeling the excitement now and can’t wait to get back into the fields for our glorious weekend 🌞

Five whole days of Bearded Theory, ready and waiting to be planned out 🤩 fancy joining us for the long haul? We still have limited Wednesday add-ons and weekend tickets here.

PLUS: Did you spot our 2 extra additions as well… 👀 we’ve just added Do Nothing and da Googie to the bill too, for even more fun and music!

There’s less than one month to go and we can barely contain our excitement. Come and party with us ❤️

The full line-up for our 15th birthday celebrations on 23-26th May 2024 has arrived! With community and an intrinsic punk ethos at its heart, the highly-coveted festival has become synonymous with championing powerhouse household acts in an intimate, quirky and inspiring utopia. Bordering three counties of West Midlands, South Derbyshire and Staffordshire and only two hours away for 50% of the UK’s population, we are the perfect way to kickstart your festival season. 

 

Our full bill offering includes freshly announced appearances from pop rockers Dexys, English anecdotal indie-rocker Baxter Dury, iconic converter of punks to reggae Don Letts, London indie-rock outfit The Big Moon, forward-thinking indie popper BC Camplight, Northern Irish alt-rock/metal powerhouses Therapy?, enigmatic tunesmith, fresh from the release of her latest album, Marika Hackman, angst-fuelled post-punkers Goat Girl, melodic folk-pop duo Prima Queen, fiery riot grrrls Lambrini Girls, murky post-punk quartet Dry Cleaning and over one hundred new fantastic names. 

 

They are joined by previously announced headliners Los Angeles quartet Jane’s Addiction, alternative indie rockers Dinosaur Jr., raucous and rowdy Australian punks Amyl and The Sniffers, synth-pop ensemble Future Islands, Nottingham post-punk duo Sleaford Mods, influential electronica brothers Orbital and UK punk duo Soft Play. Other thrilling names include but are not limited to Bob Vylan, New Model Army, Wargasm, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Ferocious Dog, Panic Shack, Sprints, English Teacher, Hotwax, Grandma’s House, Ibibio Sound Machine, Pip Blom and Divorce.

 

Ravers rejoice! This year we are introducing CODA, a brand new tent dedicated entirely to dance and electronic music. Expect to move your bodies to sets from pioneering acts such as Mercury Award winning junglist Roni Size, ex-Prodigy member Leeroy Thornhill, Orbital (DJ Set), break beaters Bentley Rhythm Ace, tech house icons K-Klass, and Happy Mondays legend Bez celebrating the acid generation with Bez’s Acid House, alongside 808 State, Utah Saints, System 7, The Orb (DJ Set), Fabio & Grooverider and Steve Davis & Kavus Torabi.

 

A festival favourite, Beans on Toast’s Foolhardy Takeover, returns on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend party, taking over our beautiful Woodland Stage, nestled between the trees with sets from Slamboree Soundsystem, Kitty Liv, Samantics, Jeshua Marshall, Ben Brown, Razzomo, Bassie Gracie and Jess Silk. Also returning is the beloved mischief-inducing Convoy Cabaret big top, with appearances from The Menstrual Cramps, Wytch Pykcknyck, Random Hand, Riskee & The Ridicule and Gen & The Degenerates and others, as well as the marvellous and diverse Maui Waui stage. Attendees can expect performances from Shanghai Treason, The Barefoot Bandits, The Busketeers and more, plus other tremendous artists across Big Ed, The Something Else Tea Tent, The Magic Teapot & elsewhere.

 

Tickets are on sale now. For more info on the payment plans, camping options and facilities please go HERE.

The fancy dress theme for Sunday at this year’s Bearded Theory has just landed…

Join us in your finest sci-fi inspired looks for the chance to win out of this world prizes (okay, it’s tickets to the 2025 festival, but we think that’s pretty great). Just turn up at the Pallet Stage on Sunday where best dressed will be crowned! 

To provide some inspiration, we’ve put a board together to help you get your intergalactic style nailed down: www.pinterest.co.uk/beardedtheoryfestival/retro-future/

Today, we are excited to unveil the line-up for Thursday’s opening party, including English punk duo SOFT PLAY, hotly-tipped Dublin garage noise four piece SPRINTS, audacious musical fusion ensemble Dutty Moonshine Big Band, ethereal dream-poppers Bleach Lab, fantasy inspired Australian metal septet Battlesnake, Bristonian queer-punk trio Grandmas House, introspective indie-rockers Slaney Bay, BBC 6 Music’s well esteemed DJ Chris Hawkins and Celtic dub-punk folk group Tarantism. These enthralling acts will be joined by a plethora of additional names across the main stages, as well as the beloved mischief-inducing Convoy Cabaret big top and marvellous and diverse Maui Waui stages, all of which will be revealed in the lead up to the festival. 

 

Bearded Theory shares why Thursday is not to be missed, stating, “It’s going to be an incredible weekend all round, and our Thursday night opening party is always the perfect way to kick it all off. We’re delighted to have some returning acts, including headliners Soft Play and Bearded favourites Tarantism & Dutty Moonshine Big Band performing alongside some of the latest acts that we’re getting excited about!”

 

These class acts are joined by iconic rock band, Los Angeles quartet Jane’s Addiction, alternative indie rockers Dinosaur Jr., raucous and rowdy Australian punks Amyl and The Sniffers, synth-pop ensemble Future Islands, Nottingham post-punk duo Sleaford Mods and influential electronica brothers Orbital, as well as other thrilling names Bob Vylan, New Model Army, Wargasm, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Ferocious Dog, Panic Shack, English Teacher, Hotwax, Ibibio Sound Machine, Pip Blom, Divorce and many more.

 

Last year inaugurated two new areas into Bearded Theory – The Meadow, a fresh big top stage made to house class rising and iconic acts, and Big Ed, a striking dance district pushing out reverberating  bangers til the early hours of the morning, quite literally acting as the face of the festival in the shape of a mammoth wicker-built, greenery-adorned head. 2023 saw The Meadow host Echo & The Bunnymen, Viagra Boys, Public Service Broadcasting, Kid Kapichi, Witch Fever and many more. The festival is ecstatic to announce that both stages will be making a glorious return to the field.

 

Dance and electronic music holds a huge and vital role in alternative communities. Bearded Theory embraces this in the coming year not only through the galvanising appearance from main stage headliners, Orbital, but by presenting an exciting new chapter for the festival – a dedicated dance stage. Ravers galore are in for a treat. An abundance of remarkable acts are set to grace the stage, such as Mercury Award winning junglist Roni Size, ambient house pioneers The Orb, acid house phenomenons 808 State, psychedelic dance influencers System 7, and Utah Saints who have been DJing around the globe since the birth of House Music.

 

Bearded Theory firmly believes that an education shouldn’t only exist within the boundaries of a traditional indoor space. For parents attending with little ones and teenagers, the festival is pleased to announce that the innovative and cherished Festival School initiative returns to the Children’s Village yet again. 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!), Slime making, English, Mindfulness, Healthy Eating and First Aid. We have even had BSL classes.

Bearded Theory festival presents attendees with monthly payment instalment plans, enabling buyers to spread the cost of purchase up until May 2024. Tickets are on sale now. For more info on the payment plans, camping options and facilities please go HERE.