Bearded Theory, the acclaimed independent alternative festival, is returning to Catton Hall in Derbyshire for its 15th year from May 23rd to 26th, 2024. Built on community spirit and punk values, this highly regarded festival is known for showcasing renowned household names in a unique and inspiring setting. Recently nominated for Best Medium Sized Festival at the UK Festival Awards, it has become synonymous with celebrating talent. Situated on the borders of West Midlands, South Derbyshire, and Staffordshire, and conveniently located within two hours of half the UK’s population, Bearded Theory is the ideal destination to kickstart your festival season.
Tickets are now on sale from AltTickets.
The festival is thrilled to host an exciting lineup of artists, featuring the legendary rock band Jane’s Addiction. Hailing from Los Angeles, this quartet comprises charismatic frontman Perry Farrell, guitar virtuoso Dave Navarro, and a powerhouse rhythm section with drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Eric Avery. Recognized as one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the late ’80s and early ’90s, they will exclusively grace Bearded Theory Festival with their presence in 2024, making it their sole UK performance of the year.
This thrilling exclusive event features headline performances by energetic Australian punks Amyl and The Sniffers, stylish synth-pop group Future Islands, dynamic Nottingham post-punk duo Sleaford Mods, influential electronica siblings Orbital, and an additional UK exclusive performance by alternative indie rockers Dinosaur Jr.
Regarding the exclusive performances and initial lineup announcement, festival organizer Ben Ryles expresses excitement for two beloved alt-rock heroes selecting Bearded Theory as their sole UK festival this year. He also looks forward to welcoming renowned acts Amyl and the Sniffers, Future Islands, Sleaford Mods, and Orbital, known for their dynamic live shows. The first batch of nearly 50 artists includes emerging talents, iconic performers, and crowd-pleasers, eliciting satisfaction as the festival season countdown begins.
Keeping spirits high across the enthralling weekend are the likes of grime-punk duo Bob Vylan, influential British rock band New Model Army, boundary-pushing electronic rock duo Wargasm, larger-than-life ska nonet Gentleman’s Dub Club, celtic-folk rockers Ferocious Dog, brashly ear-crunching Panic Shack, highly-hyped post-punkers English Teacher, fast risers HotWax and Sprints, Ibibio Sound Machine, Jane Weaver, Pip Blom, and many more. Last year inaugurated two new areas into Bearded Theory – The Meadow, a fresh big top stage made to house class rising and iconic acts, and Big Ed, a striking dance district pushing out reverberating bangers til the early hours of the morning, quite literally acting as the face of the festival in the shape of a mammoth wicker-built, greenery-adorned head. 2023 saw The Meadow host Echo & The Bunnymen, Viagra Boys, Public Service Broadcasting, Kid Kapichi, Witch Fever and many more. The festival is ecstatic to announce that both stages will be making a glorious return to the field.
Dance and electronic music play a significant and essential part in alternative communities. Bearded Theory goes above and beyond by featuring prominent acts like Orbital as main stage headliners and providing a dedicated dance stage. Ravers can look forward to an incredible lineup, including Roni Size, winner of the Mercury Award for jungle music, The Orb, pioneers of ambient house, 808 State, renowned for acid house, System 7, influential in psychedelic dance, and Utah Saints, veteran DJs since the early days of House Music.
Bearded Theory firmly believes that education should extend beyond traditional indoor spaces. For parents attending with children and teenagers, the festival is excited to announce the return of the Festival School initiative in the Children’s Village. The school requires official enrollment and permission from the children’s respective schools. It runs from 9am-3pm on the Friday of the festival, offering a wide range of educational classes for students from Reception to Year 10. Past years have included math (budgeting for a music festival), PE classes by Derby County FC and Mr Motivator, Design & Technology (creating personal souvenirs), slime making, English, mindfulness, healthy eating, and first aid.
Bearded Theory festival presents attendees with monthly payment instalment plans, enabling buyers to spread the cost of purchase up until May 2024. Tickets are on sale now. For more info on the payment plans, camping options and facilities please go to this page.
