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.
The festival today shares its second selection of artists to be added to the bill. Joining 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.
Bearded Theory takes 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 it remains a true alternative offer to the mainstream. The event’s booking approach has led to many buzzy names loading onto the lineup during its lifespan. This year, the festival welcomes 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.
