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 26-30 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 one of their final UK festival shows / headlines. 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 turns 18 at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 26-30 May 2027. Tickets are available here.