PIXIES, SKUNK ANANSIE, BIG SPECIAL, FAT DOG, FEROCIOUS DOG, GETDOWN SERVICES, LAMBRINI GIRLS, PANIC SHACK, PETER HOOK AND THE LIGHT, REVEREND AND THE MAKERS, SPRINTS & MORE
CATTON PARK, DERBYSHIRE, 20-24TH MAY 2026
“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.”
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.
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.
