One of The UK’s most beloved alternative festivals, Bearded Theory, has announced the first wave of acts for its 2026 festival, returning to Catton Park, Derbyshire from 20 - 24 May.

This year’s headline offerings include alt-rock legends Pixies in celebration of their 40th anniversary as a band, and genre-blending trailblazers Skunk Anansie. Visceral spoken-word punks Big Special, the explosive energy of rising noise-rock outfit Fat Dog, anarchic folk-punk Ferocious Dog, delightfully sharp-tongued Bristolian’s Getdown Services, riotous punk force Lambrini Girls, and the ferocious feminist punk of Panic Shack. Joining them is iconic post-punk royalty Peter Hook and The Light (formerly of the influential post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order), Sheffield’s own Reverend and The Makers, and the sharp garage-rock stylings of Sprints.

Also gracing the stages is a genre-spanning array of the most exciting talent in the UK and beyond. From the politically charged post-punk of Heartworms and pioneering electro-industrial group Pop Will Eat Itself, to the grungy charm of Venus Grrrls, the cult indie quad The Wedding Present, and breakbeat trailblazing of Goldie, there’s something here for every corner of the alternative spectrum.

Expect sharp wit and satirical strumming from returning Bearded Theory cult comedy-folk favourites The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, and boundary-pushing fusion from the ever-underground rap rockers Senser. Ska and 2-Tone icon Neville Staple (The Specials) brings energy to the party, while Stewart Lee delivers his signature blend of wit and satire. 90s dancefloor legends Utah Saints, Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy) & Phil Hartnoll (Orbital) return to the fields once more for a hit of rave nostalgia. Additional exciting names include Bez (Happy Mondays), Toots And The Maytals ft. Leba Hibbert, Graeme Park, Beans On Toast, and more.

Bearded Theory’s site features eight unique stages and areas bursting with music, dancing, and unfiltered joy. While the Pallet and Meadow stages deliver the biggest moments of the weekend, the Woodland stage offers a spellbinding, intimate escape - a hidden glade of unplugged sessions, raucous singalongs, and unforgettable late-night memories in the tree canopied silent disco. For those who wish to rave into the early hours, Big Ed and CODA return as the home for all things dance-oriented.

Returning to the festival after its introduction at the last event is The Knockerdown - by day, an arts and Q&A hub, and by night, a raucous karaoke hotspot. Elsewhere, Convoy Cabaret, Maui Waui and Something Else Tea Tent provide a huge array of weird and wonderful, peaceful and powerful alternatives with a world of underground talent.

Dedicated wellness and crafting sector, EARTH promises a sanctuary of serenity and creativity at Bearded Theory. Here, festival goers can unwind and recharge weary limbs between sets. EARTH blossoms with eco-conscious, hands-on creativity, from pottery painting to basket weaving and immersive workshops, making it a haven of calm.

Meanwhile, the Festival School (the UK’s first of its kind) returns to the award-winning Children’s Area with free places, a full curriculum, and lessons ranging from maths to mindfulness (and even DJ workshops) for pre-school, and years Reception through to Year 10. The first batch of enrollments have already been completed, with additional spaces for parents to get a highly sought after spot for their kids coming on 2nd January. 

Bearded Theory returns to Catton Park, Derbyshire from 20 - 24 May. Tickets are on sale now here.

Photo credit: Izzy Challoner