FAQs

WHERE IS BEARDED THEORY?

Catton Park is a glorious 250-acre private Estate, which has been owned by the same family for over 600 years.

Located in the heart of the National Forest, Catton is located between Derby and Lichfield on the West Midlands, Staffordshire and South Derbyshire border. Interestingly Catton Park is a 2-hour drive away for 50% of the UK`s population.

When travelling to Bearded Theory, do not follow your sat nav. Use the AA routing signs and read our travel advice.

WHAT IS YOUR ENTRY INFORMATION?

Entry to the festival is by advance ticket purchase only, you can get your ticket via: www.alttickets.com/bearded-theory-tickets Please do not buy tickets for inflated prices on internet auction sites and be careful when purchasing tickets from sellers on internet forums.

We have a range of ticket types which you can explore on the ticket information section on this website.

Children up to and including the age of 7 (at the time of the festival) can attend free of charge but you must still obtain a ticket for them and please remember they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Please ensure you read the terms and conditions before attending the festival and remember that by buying a ticket you are in agreement with the conditions set out.

Gates open for Bearded Theory 2025 at 9am and close at 9pm on each day of the festival for standard weekend ticket holders.

HOW DO I GET MY CAR OR LIVE-IN VEHICLE PARKED?

To ensure we get you parked and ready for a weekend of fun as fast and as smooth as possible this year car park and live in vehicle tickets will be available as e-Tickets.  The e-ticket will be scanned on entry, you will be directed by stewards to the next available parking place.

Car Park Tickets can be purchased in advance at a cheaper rate, on the day they will be available cash only.

Our car park is a 3-5-minute walk away from the closest campsite.

Please make sure you follow the AA Road Signs and instructions from the stewards when you get closer to the festival site.

IS THERE ANYTHING FOR CHILDREN?

We have a great Children’s Village, with various free to use activities! Bearded Theory has also been recognised for its award-winning Festival School, providing education without walls to pre-enrolled children attending the festival.

Please make sure children are not left unattended and that you look after your little ones’ hearing. White wristbands are available for you to write your phone number on.

WHAT ACCESSIBILITY FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

Please visit our access page for full details on the services we provide. We ask that any customer who doesn’t need the specific support and additional facilities of the dedicated area camp within the general areas.  You can still apply for a companion ticket should you need one.

HOW CAN I ARRIVE BY TRAIN OR COACH?

The closest train stations to Bearded Theory are at Lichfield and Burton-upon-Trent. However, the festival will be operating a regular shuttlebus service for Thursday arrivals and Monday departures between the festival site and Tamworth Station.

National Express will be running a coach service that will bring you directly into the festival site.

IS THERE A DROP OFF POINT?

We do have a pickup and drop off point – please follow the applicable AA signs.

CAN I PARK OFF-SITE/LEAVE THE SITE IN MY VEHICLE?

Any naughty vehicles parked on the roads surrounding the festival site will be towed away at your expense. Vehicle movement might be restricted depending on the weather, please be patient.

WHAT DRINKS CAN I BRING INTO THE FESTIVAL WITH ME?

You can bring your own alcohol into the festival’s campsite and arena in moderation (don’t take the proverbial, please do your bit by supporting our bars). Glass containers and bottles are not permitted on site.

Please be aware that anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 will be asked for valid identification if seen consuming or bringing alcohol into the festival. Bearded Theory only accepts Passports, UK Driving License and Age cards as valid identification.

WHAT PROOF OF AGE IS REQUIRED?

The festival will operate a challenge 25 scheme to stop underage drinking at the festival. The festival will accept three forms of identification with regards to identifying an attendee’s age. This will be a valid UK Passport, Driving Licence or a PASS Identification Card.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOILETS LIKE?

We receive massive amounts of praise for our toilets every year, but we will continue to make these facilities better. We expect all our toilets to be clean and tidy at all hours of the day and we have a team working 24/7 to ensure these standards are met.

DO YOU HAVE SHOWERS?

We are proud to offer free to use shower blocks to all customers, there are shower blocks located around the site.

WHAT ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED ON SITE?

Please do not attempt to enter the site with any of the below listed items, you may be subject to a search on entry and will not be allowed to bring them through with you.

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• Glass
• Firepits, braziers, disposable BBQs
• Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs or explosives of any sort
• Chinese Lanterns
• Weapons
• Unauthorised sound systems or personal generators
• Diesel, petrol fuel or fuel containers
• Illegal drugs, controlled substances and “legal highs”
• Drones
• Animals except for registered assistance pets
• Goods for sale including alcohol and vapes
• Air horns
• Laser pens

CAN I BRING MY PET?

We regrettably are not allowed any dogs or cats to be onsite at the festival. A nice kennel is only down the road in Catton village. Please contact Mansditch Kennels on 01827 383463.

Assistance dogs are allowed on site and we have an area for toileting. Assistance dogs will need to be registered as such, and need to be registered with Bearded Theory prior to arrival.

ARE BBQS AND FIRES ALLOWED?

No open fires are allowed at Bearded Theory, including campfires, firepits & braziers.

No disposable BBQs are allowed at Bearded Theory.

Off the ground BBQs and camping gas stoves are only to be used outside and in a safe area, please be aware of your surroundings and people nearby.

BBQ Safety – the dangers of Carbon Monoxide

There have been a number of tragic deaths nationally from carbon monoxide poisoning linked to the use of barbecues within tents, camping structures and caravans.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Levels of the gas can build up very quickly to levels that can make someone unwell or result in a fatality.

Approximately 4,000 people attending Accident and Emergency each year are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. CO can kill quickly, in minutes, without warning and even low levels of the poison can cause lasting damage to health.

Campers have lost their lives after taking lit barbecues into tents or caravans for warmth.

A lit or smouldering barbecue should never be taken into a tent, tent awning, camping pod, caravan or campervan. Similarly, portable gas stoves are not designed to be used inside such structures. They should be kept clean, in good working order and should only be used outside in a suitably ventilated area.

It is tempting to move cooking equipment inside when the weather is poor, but this can quickly lead to a potentially deadly build-up of poisonous gas. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to carbon monoxide fumes should seek medical advice immediately.

Where can I find advice?

For further information see Gas Safe web page on BBQ safety.

WHO IS PERFORMING AT THE FESTIVAL?

We have 8 amazing stages packed full of the best artists from around the world. Our line-up for 2025 will be revealed soon so watch this space, and have a look at our previous bill!

What’s happening on Wednesday?

We’re opening a day early! For all the info, please visit our special Wednesday FAQs

WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL SITE LIKE?

Beautiful! We have 8 stages, 6 bars, a Children’s Area, Accessible Area, Earth Area, tonnes of delicious food options, exciting things to discover and the most wonderful backdrop for a perfect weekend.

WHERE CAN I STAY ON SITE?

Upon arrival head towards the wristband exchange and get yourself wristbanded, then take the route to the festival campsites where our friendly stewards will point you in the right direction to your desired campsite.

Bearded Theory has 8 campsite areas:

• Walton Wood (Social festival camping): perfect for campers & festival goers looking to make friends and have fun ’til late!
• Catton (General festival camping): your regular festival camping experience.
• Gibbs (pre-pitched camping): the convenience of rocking up and your tent being ready for you!
• Family (Families & Quiet campers): quiet after 9pm, our campsite with kids loos and baby changing, perfect for families and early morning risers!
• Trent (Campervans & Caravans only): for all you live-in vehicle folk.
• Oaklands (Campervan & Caravans only): more space for the wheels!
• Accessible (Accessible camping): our dedicated accessible camping area, see more information below.
• Boutique Glamping (Tipi & Yurt): pre-booked glamping options for those looking for a few more home comforts in the fields! Glamping packages must be booked in advance.

Please have respect for people in the Family Campsite and keep noise down after 9pm – this will be enforced, and persistent sinners will be asked to move.

Access to social, general & family camping areas are included within the weekend ticket price.

For access to the Campervan & Caravan fields you must have purchased your vehicle pass in advance of the festival.

If camping, please only bring what you need for the amount of people you’re accommodating. Smaller tents = more room for everybody so please be considerate of your fellow campers. We reserve the right to ask large structures to be removed.

WHAT FOOD & DRINK IS ON OFFER?

We have 6 amazing bars offering award winning ales and sensible prices.

Bearded Theory carefully hand selects a great range of food concessions catering for all food tastes, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

All our food vendors have been selected to provide good quality organic foods at sensible prices.

Please be aware that anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 will be asked for valid identification if seen consuming or bringing alcohol into the festival. Bearded Theory only accepts Passports, UK Driving License and Age cards as valid identification.

WHERE CAN I BOOK A CAB?

Lichfield

Lichfield City Radio Cars: 01543 255440 / 254999 / 252444

Burton on Trent

Station Taxis: 01283 532000 / 01283 532007
Dells Taxis: 01283 564012

Tamworth

3 B’s: 01827 63636

WHAT ACCOMMODATION IS NEARBY?

For those not keen on camping on site, we have compiled the below list of nearby hotels and B&Bs.

Hotels

Catton Park has an abundance of hotels and bed & breakfast accommodation located nearby. If you are planning on staying off site please ensure you have read the entry and re-entry times. Be aware that in previous years the majority of local accommodation gets booked up very quickly.

• Travelodge, A38 Northbound, Barton-under-Needwood DE13 8EG, www.travelodge.co.uk, Tel: 0871 984 6069 (3 miles away)
• Wychnor Park Country Club, Barton-under-Needwood, DE13 8BU, Tel: 01283 791391, (4 miles away)
• Travelodge, A38 Southbound, Barton-under-Needwood DE13 8EG, www.travelodge.co.uk, Tel: 0871 984 6069 (5 miles away)
• Riverside Hotel, Riverside, Riverside Drive, Branston, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3EP, Tel: 01283 511234 (6 miles away)
• The Ladybridge, Bonehill Rd, Tamworth, www.premierinn.com, Tel: 08715 278000 (8 miles away)
• Dovecliffe Hall, Dovecliffe Rd, Stretton, DE13 0DJ, www.dovecliffhallhotel.co.uk , Tel: 01283 531818 (10 miles away)
• Mercure Hotel, Newton Park Burton upon Trent, www.mercureburton.co.uk, Tel: 08448 159018 (14 miles away)

Bed & Breakfasts

• Manor Farm, Coton-in-the-Elms, DE12 8EP, www.manorfarmbb.co.uk, Tel: 01283 760340 (2 miles away)
• Harlaston Post Office, Main Road, Harlaston, B79 9JU
• Keppel Gate Bed and Breakfast, 300 Burton Road, Overseal, DE12 6JN, www.keppelgate.org.uk, Tel: 01283 769803
• www.harlastonpostoffice.co.uk , Tel: 01827 383324, (4 miles away)
• Wisteria Lodge, Harlaston, B79 9JX, www.wisterialodgeuk.co.uk, Tel: 01827 383007 (4 miles away)
• Peel Farm, Fisherwick Road, Whittington, WS14 9LJ, Tel: 01543 433461 (6 miles away)
• East Lodge, Byrkley Drive, Rangemore, DE13 9RN, www.eastlodgeburton.co.uk, Tel: 01283 712412 (7 miles away)
• St Johns House, St John Street, Lichfield, www.stjohnshouse.co.uk, Tel: 01543 252080 (7 miles away)

WHAT SHOPS ARE NEARBY?

The festival has set out to cater for all your requirements however we do recommend coming prepared.

Local shops to Catton Hall are:

• Co-Op, Main St, Rosliston, Swadlincote DE12 8JW
• Co-Op, Main Street, Alrewas, DE13 7AE
• Morrisons, Wellington Rd, Burton, West Midlands DE14 2AR

Traffic movement at the festival is restricted so please buy all your food and beverages prior to the festival taking place.

IS THERE A SHOP ON SITE?

Bearded Theory has a corner shop that sells cigarettes, food, newspapers, fruit, crisps, soft drinks and plenty more bits and bobs.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS CAN I USE?

Bearded Theory accepts both cash and card, there will be cashback facilities available on site. All traders, merch stands and bars will accept card payments.

Don’t become a victim and avoid bringing excessive cash levels with you and withdraw money on a daily basis.

IS THERE A RISK OF CRIME?

Tent theft is becoming common at festivals and we advise you to visit the Crimestoppers website prior to attending the festival raise your awareness of crime and help you to minimise risk to yourself.

All security will have photo ID to ensure you know who you are dealing with.

If you are a victim of crime, please find the nearest steward to assist you and visit security.

Still have a burning question?

You can get in touch with us via the contact form on our website. Fill out the form and we’ll come back to you as soon as we can. Please be aware that responses may be delayed at particularly busy times as we prepare for the festival! Thanks for your patience.

Ticket Terms & Conditions

Please read our ticket terms and conditions.