Bearded Theory 2027

Independent five-day alternative music and arts festival in Catton Park over the late May bank holiday.

Bearded Theory is an independent, family-oriented camping festival held each May in the grounds of Catton Park, on the borders of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands. The five-day programme spans alternative, rock, punk, indie, folk and electronic music across nine stages including The Pallet main stage, The Meadow, The Woodland, Coda and the Maui Waui tent, alongside comedy, spoken word, crafts, workshops and late-night entertainment. A Children's Village and the festival's own Festival School give it a strong family focus, and the EARTH wellness area offers everything from cold plunges to tarot readings. The 2026 edition drew 15,000 people for headline sets from Pixies, Skunk Anansie and Garbage. Day tickets are not available, and under-18s must attend with a responsible adult aged 21 or over.