The multi-award-winning independent festival, Bearded Theory, returns to its beloved Catton Park, Derbyshire home from May 21st-25th for another year of community-driven festivities. Nestled within the beautiful National Forest, the festival offers a diverse program of music, educational activities, and creative experiences.
Newly announced acts include the cinematic soundscapes of London’s Public Service Broadcasting, indie pop from Swim Deep, hip-hop pioneers The Sugarhill Gang & The Furious Five, the politically charged psych-pop of She Drew The Gun, rising genre-benders Alt Blk Era, Welsh rockers Mclusky, and electronic dub from Dreadzone, among many others.
The CODA and Big Ed stages will host a vibrant dance lineup, featuring Scottish novelist-turned-DJ Irvine Welsh, jazz-funk jungle maestro L.T.J Bukem, international DJ and producer Mr C (The Shamen DJ Set – Live PA), 90s rave duo Altern 8, Billy Daniel Bunter, Chris Liberator, Dub Pistols, Leeroy Thornhill (ex-Prodigy), Utah Saints, and K-Klass. Following last year’s successful launch, CODA returns with even more dance-oriented offerings. Phil Hartnoll of Orbital, who wowed crowds last year with a DJ set and Meadow stage performance, will headline the dance tent and curate his own night of electronic music in CODA on Saturday.
Iggy Pop, the legendary Manic Street Preachers, Paul Heaton (with special guest Rianne Downey), rock veterans The Sisters of Mercy, electronic innovators Leftfield, post-punk quartet Yard Act, Irish trailblazers The Mary Wallopers, Northern Irish virtuosos Ash, pop-country sensation CMAT, the heavy-hitting duo Nova Twins, genre-bending Fat Dog, alt-country grungers Divorce, singer-songwriter Nadine Shah, indie songstress Katy J Pearson, and experimental artist Ezra Furman are all on the line-up. The extensive lineup also includes Mannequin Pussy, Terrorvision, The Lottery Winners, Antony Szmierek, The Alarm, The Vaselines, Gurriers, Lime Garden, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, The Lovely Eggs, Bess Atwell, Dream State, CLT DRP, and Asian Dub Foundation, among many others.
Bearded Theory goes beyond music, offering unique experiences like the UK’s first on-site Festival School. Located in the award-winning Children’s Village, this dedicated area provides creative, educational, and fun activities for children and teenagers.
Despite its compact size, Bearded Theory boasts eight distinct stages and areas, each offering a unique atmosphere. The main Pallet and Meadow stages host the festival’s biggest acts, while the enchanting Woodland stage provides an intimate setting for folk and rock performances. Bearded Theory offers monthly payment plans, allowing attendees to spread the cost of tickets until May 2025. Tickets are on sale now.
