NEW NAMES INCLUDE: EVERYTHING EVERYTHING, THE HORRORS, THE TWILIGHT SAD, IRVINE WELSH, OZRIC TENTACLES, SIR CHLOE, A GUY CALLED GERALD, OPUS KINK + MORE
BEANS ON TOAST’S ANNUAL FOOLHARDY TAKEOVER LINEUP FINALISED
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED HEADLINERS: GARBAGE, PIXIES & SKUNK ANANSIE
CATTON PARK, DERBYSHIRE — 20-24 MAY 2026
Bearded Theory continues to stand as one of the UK’s most beloved alternative festivals. The highly-coveted, multi-award winning independent event takes over 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 now shares its 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.
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.
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), it’s a standout example of Bearded Theory’s commitment to family-friendly, meaningful experiences. For the first time, the Festival School now offers a pre-school provision for 100 0-4 year olds, as well as the standard school for 200 Reception to Year 10 children.
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.
