Bearded Theory, a beloved independent festival, is set to return to its idyllic homeland of Catton Park, Derbyshire, from May 20-24, 2026. Known for its unmatched community-driven atmosphere and beautiful setting, the multi-award-winning event is the perfect way to kickstart the festival season. Nestled at the meeting point of the West Midlands, South Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, it is easily accessible for a significant portion of the UK population.
This year’s headliners include alt-rock legends Pixies, who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary, and the genre-blending trailblazers Skunk Anansie. The top-tier bill also features performances from iconic post-punk royalty Peter Hook and The Light, Sheffield’s own Reverend and The Makers, and the sharp garage-rock stylings of Sprints. Other notable acts joining the main stage include Big Special, Fat Dog, Ferocious Dog, Lambrini Girls, and Panic Shack, who are all poised to deliver a powerful punch of punk energy.
Beyond the headliners, the festival will showcase a wide range of exciting talent from across the UK and beyond. Attendees can expect politically charged post-punk from Heartworms, industrial sounds from Pop Will Eat Itself, and the grungy charm of Venus Grrrls. The lineup also includes comedy-folk favourites The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, hip-hop fusion from Senser, and a dose of rave nostalgia with sets from Utah Saints, Leeroy Thornhill, and Phil Hartnoll. Additional exciting names on the bill include Neville Staple of The Specials, Stewart Lee, Bez, and Goldie, among others.
Bearded Theory festival presents attendees with monthly payment instalment plans, enabling buyers to spread the cost of purchase up until May 2026.
