Bearded Theory Turns 18 & Announces First Wave of Names for 2027

Bearded Theory, one of the UK’s most cherished alternative festivals is back, and it’s turning 18. The multi-award winning independent event returns to Catton Park, Derbyshire on the 26-30th of May. At the heart of the festival is a grassroots ethos that pushes community and the arts to the forefront in all it provides. Nestled in the midlands, the event is just two hours from 50% of the UK population, its unmatched atmosphere and ideal location make it the perfect place to kickstart your bank holiday weekend, your summer and to spark the festival season.

The upcoming year’s festivities are headlined by influential political East Coast rappers Public Enemy, and Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls for a UK festival exclusive headline. They are joined by new names and returning favourites alike, such as irreverent Welsh indie rockers Super Furry Animals, English synth-pop group Hot Chip, ska legends The Interrupters, alt-country quad Westside Cowboy for the second year in a row, wild and boundary pushing Bob Vylan.

Also gracing the stages are wonk pop Lime Garden, art-rock Man/Woman/Chainsaw, pioneering hardcore punk band Black Flag, feisty up-and-comers Cowboy Hunters, genre-smashing sister duo ALT BLK ERA, observational Berlin singer-songwriter Anna Erhard, psych-punkers The Lovely Eggs, BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins for his regularly scheduled DJ set [this marks his third return since 2024], riot grrrls Dream Wife, pioneering junglist Goldie, melancholic post-punk TTSSFU, garage rockers Tooth and many more.

Bearded Theory’s wonderfully compact site continues to pack a serious punch, with eight distinctive stages and areas alive with music, dancing and pure, unfiltered joy. While the Pallet and Meadow stages provide some of the weekend’s biggest highlights, the Woodland stage is a magical, intimate hideaway; a secluded glade hosting unplugged sessions, raucous singalongs and unforgettable late-night moments in its tree-canopied silent disco. Those looking to dance into the early hours can head to Big Ed and CODA, where dance music takes centre stage. The Knockerdown returns once more, bringing a varied programme of arts and Q&As by day before transforming into a lively karaoke hotspot by night. Elsewhere, Convoy Cabaret, Busk Top, Maui Waui and the Something Else Tea Tent offer an eclectic mix of weird and wonderful, peaceful and powerful experiences, showcasing an abundance of underground talent.

The dedicated wellness and crafting area, EARTH, offers a peaceful retreat for festival-goers looking to unwind, recharge and take a breather between sets. A celebration of eco-conscious creativity and hands-on activities, EARTH invites visitors to try everything from pottery painting and basket weaving to a range of immersive workshops, providing a welcome moment of calm amid the festival buzz.

Meanwhile, the Festival School, the UK’s first of its kind, returns to the award-winning Children’s Area following glowing recognition from The Guardian, which described it as “probably the most inclusive school in the country.” Offering free places, a full curriculum and lessons spanning maths, mindfulness and even DJ workshops, the school caters for pre-school children and pupils from Reception through to Year 10. It remains a brilliant example of Bearded Theory’s commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive experiences for families. The first round of enrolments has already taken place, with Years 6-10 already hitting capacity. There are further opportunities for parents to secure one of the highly sought-after places for children in Years 2-5 opening on 2 January. Book this experience HERE.

Bearded Theory festival presents attendees with monthly payment instalment plans, enabling buyers to spread the cost of purchase up until May 2027. Tickets are on sale now. For more info on the payment plans, camping options and facilities please go HERE. Please note, The Junkyard luxury airstreams are close to selling out, so act fast.

Announced on the lineup so far

Public Enemy • Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls (UK Festival Exclusive)

Hot Chip • Super Furry Animals

The Interrupters • Westside Cowboy

Antony Szmierek • Bob Vylan • Lime Garden • Man/Woman/Chainsaw • Sea Power • Steel Pulse • The Wonder Stuff • This Is the Kit

Alt Blk Era* • Anna Erhard • Beans on Toast • Black Flag • Bob Mould • Chris Hawkins (BBC 6Music DJ Set)* • Cowboy Hunters • Dave Lofts • Dream Wife • Dub Pistols (DJ Set) • Evil Scarecrow • Gans • Girlband! • Goldie • Grace Petrie • Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle • Leeroy Thornhill (Ex-Prodigy) • Millie Manders and the Shutup* • Murkage Dave • Phil Hartnoll (Orbital DJ Set) • Public Figures • The Bar Stool Preachers • The Black Seeds • The Chameleons# • The Lovely Eggs • The Meffs • The Rezillos • The Wran* • Tooth* • TTSSFU • Utah Saints • Zion Train

1000 Rabbits • Andrea Kenny • Beatles Dub Club • Bruise Control • Deja Vega# • DIY Soundsystem • Earth Tongue# • Jess Silk • Lemonsuckr# • Muddy Summers & the DFWS* • My First Time* • The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican • The Primitives • The Slow Country*

#Performing on Wednesday
*Performing on Thursday