Bearded Theory 2026 Guide
A friendly, independent camping festival at Catton Park with big names, hidden corners, and proper community vibes.
Top tip: if you’re not driving, plan around Tamworth Station – the official shuttle runs Thursday in and Monday out.
Quick links
Lineup · Tickets · Overview · Who it’s for · Dates & location · Hotels · Getting there · What to wear · First-timer tips · Common mistakes · What people say · Related festivals · Map · FAQs · Final booking links
Bearded Theory 2026 is a five-day independent camping festival at Catton Park in Derbyshire (Walton-on-Trent, DE12 8LL), running 20–24 May 2026. It’s known for a welcoming crowd, a compact-but-busy site and loads of “wander and discover” corners alongside big headline sets.
If you like Bearded Theory’s indie-friendly vibe but want a non-camping option, Neighbourhood Weekender is a good comparison.
Last updated: 25 January 2026. Lineup, tickets and travel guidance checked against the official Bearded Theory site and Ticketmaster pages.
Lineup (announced so far) – Bearded Theory 2026
The official day splits aren’t published yet, so this is a practical “who’s on the bill so far” view. For the most up-to-date list, use the official sources linked at the bottom of this section.
Headline artists (announced so far): Pixies · Skunk Anansie · Garbage · The Damned · Kae Tempest · Kate Nash · Badly Drawn Boy · CMAT · Peter Hook & The Light · Goldie
Big names (announced so far)
- Pixies
- Skunk Anansie
- Garbage
- The Damned
- Kae Tempest
- Kate Nash
- Badly Drawn Boy
- CMAT
- Peter Hook & The Light
- Goldie
New + alt / indie discoveries
- Lambrini Girls
- Panic Shack
- Sprints
- Big Special
- Fat Dog
- Getdown Services
- Kid Kapichi
- NewDad
- Heartworms
- The Wedding Present
Dance / late-night energy (CODA + Big Ed vibes)
- Utah Saints
- Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy)
- Phil Hartnoll (Orbital)
- Graeme Park
- EMF (big singalong energy)
Headliners preview (big hits to jog your memory)
Pixies – expect loud guitars and huge crowd moments. If you know “Where Is My Mind?” and “Here Comes Your Man”, you’ll get why they’re a perfect festival headline.
Skunk Anansie – massive vocals and proper main-stage punch. The classics like “Weak” and “Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)” are the songs most people arrive hoping to hear (without any promises on setlists).
Official lineup / source pages: Official lineup · Ticketmaster lineup page · Ticketmaster “About”
Tickets for Bearded Theory 2026
Most people go for the weekend camping ticket, then add what they need (car parking, or Wednesday early entry if you want the extra day on site). If you’re bringing a live-in vehicle (campervan/caravan), make sure your vehicle pass matches your arrival day.
Official ticket links:
Tip: if you want Wednesday early entry, check you’re buying the Wednesday add-on (and the correct live-in vehicle pass if you’re not in a standard car).
- Ticket style: Weekend camping (main option) + Wednesday early entry add-on
- Camping: Yes (camping festival)
- Common add-ons: Car parking (advance vs on-the-day) · campervan/caravan passes (Wed–Sun or Thu–Sun) · power hook-up passes
Ticket safety: use official sellers and double-check entry rules and vehicle requirements before you travel. Start with the official ticket info and FAQs. Official ticket information · Official FAQs
Overview – what makes Bearded Theory special
Bearded Theory is a proper “wander festival”: a big main-stage moment one minute, then a hidden corner or late-night dance area the next. The site is compact for a camping festival, which makes it easier to move around, meet friends, and keep the weekend feeling friendly rather than overwhelming.
It’s also proudly independent, with a strong community feel and a mix of big names, cult favourites, comedians/cabaret-style bits, and family-friendly daytime energy. If you like festivals where you can discover new artists without feeling like you’re hiking between stages all day, it’s a great fit.
- Best for: Indie/alternative fans, mixed groups, and people who like a friendly camping crowd
- Vibe: Independent, welcoming, playful (with plenty to explore beyond the main stages)
- Set-up: Multi-area site and lots of “side-quests” between sets
Who it’s for (and who it’s not)
This is for you if…
- You want a camping festival that still feels friendly and manageable once you’re inside.
- You like a diverse lineup (guitar bands, left-field picks, dance late-night energy, plus lots of discovery).
- You’re coming as Friends / Groups, Adults / 25+, or with Families and want a festival that’s known for being welcoming.
Not ideal if…
- You only enjoy “one main stage, big pop headliners” festivals and don’t want the side-quests.
- You need guaranteed quiet nights: pack earplugs and take a minute to choose your pitch (close to main paths can feel busier at night).
- You don’t want camping at all (hotels are doable, but the main experience is on-site).
Dates & location
- Dates: 20–24 May 2026 (Wednesday early entry add-on available)
- Where: Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent, near Swadlincote (South Derbyshire, East Midlands) – DE12 8LL
- Camping: Yes (this is a camping-first festival)
Hotels
If you’re not camping, hotel bases work best if you pick one place and stick to it (rather than trying to “hop” each day). Expect to rely on taxis / lifts, and factor in late-night travel time.
Derby – best all-round base (your “main hub” choice)
- More hotel choice and better public transport links for arriving in the region.
- Good option if you’re mixing festival time with a normal city stay (food, supermarkets, easy check-in/out).
- Best suited to Adults / 25+ and Couples who want a proper bed and a calmer reset.
Burton-upon-Trent – closer and simpler
- Usually a quicker run to Catton Park than Derby, with practical road routes.
- Handy if you’re driving and just want the closest base with straightforward amenities.
- Good for Friends / Groups splitting costs (just plan your pick-up/drop-off points).
Hotel tip: if you’re leaving after the last acts, build in extra time for traffic and agree your “meet-up point” before you head into the busiest areas.
Getting there
By train
The closest stations are Lichfield and Burton-upon-Trent, but the festival also runs an official shuttle from Tamworth Station (Thursday arrivals and Monday departures). Book in advance and leave plenty of time for the Monday return – traffic can be heavy leaving site.
By car
Car parking is available (cheaper in advance, more on the day). The official guidance warns not to rely on sat nav – follow the event signage and travel advice for the final approach.
By shuttle / coach
Big Green Coach is listed as the official coach partner with pick-ups from major cities, arriving Thursday and returning Monday. If you’re going by coach, it’s one of the lowest-stress ways to avoid parking and Monday traffic.
Insider planning tip: decide your “exit plan” early. If you’re leaving Monday morning, aim earlier than you think, keep breakfast simple, and have your kit packed before the rush starts.
Travel help: everything above is based on the festival’s own guidance — Official travel guidance
What to wear (and what to pack)
Bearded Theory is outdoors, multi-day, and a lot of your time is spent walking between stages and campsites – so think comfort first, then add the fun bits.
- Footwear: broken-in trainers or walking boots. Pack spare socks (and a backup pair of shoes in case of mud/rain).
- Layers: warm hoodie + light waterproof. Even in May, evenings can drop quickly once the sun goes.
- Festival practicals: cross-body bag, power bank, refillable bottle, and a small torch for campsite paths.
- Fancy dress: there’s a Sunday fancy dress day (theme to be announced) – bring something easy you can carry/pack.
- With kids: pack a spare warm layer, snacks for queues, and ear defenders/earplugs if your child is sensitive to noise.
Helpful family note: attendee discussions often describe Bearded Theory as friendly for families with lots to do in the daytime. For camping, your pitch choice matters (a bit further from main paths can mean better sleep).
Attendee threads: Family / kids discussion · General Bearded Theory discussion
Vibe inspiration (photos): Official Bearded Theory gallery
First-timer tips
- Site size: the site is compact compared to many camping festivals – most stage-to-stage walks are around 10–15 minutes.
- Wednesday early entry: treat it as a calmer set-up day (pitch, sort food/drink, learn the site).
- Meeting points: pick one obvious spot (e.g. a bar/stage sign) and use it as your “find each other” plan.
- Phone + power: bring a power bank and keep one person as the “battery hero” for the group.
- Food & drink: food traders range from standard festival staples to vegan/vegetarian-friendly options, with bars spread across the site rather than one central hub.
- Crowds: crowds usually feel smaller and more manageable than major city festivals like Parklife.
- Late-night bits: there’s programming beyond midnight in some areas (not just the main stages), so plan rest if you’ve got kids.
- Families: pack for the basics (layers + snacks + ear protection) and plan your campsite for easier sleep.
Common mistakes (easy to avoid)
- Arriving unplanned: if you’re using the Tamworth shuttle, book it and align your train times (Thursday in / Monday out).
- Forgetting the right vehicle pass: live-in vehicles need the correct Wed–Sun or Thu–Sun pass to match your arrival day.
- Relying on sat nav alone: follow the official travel advice and event signage for the final approach.
- Assuming all camping areas feel the same: if sleep matters, avoid pitching right on busy walkways.
What people say (the vibe)
Attendee feedback is very consistent: Bearded Theory gets described as friendly with a genuinely welcoming crowd, and a lineup that feels diverse rather than “one genre only”. People also like that there’s life beyond the main stages, including late-night activity in certain areas. The trade-off is the usual camping reality: pitch location can make or break your sleep, and families in particular do best if they plan where to camp rather than just taking the first space they see.
Family reality check: families tend to get the most value earlier in the day; evenings skew older and livelier.
Attendee threads: r/festivals · r/UKfestivals
Festival location map
Address: Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent, South Derbyshire (East Midlands), DE12 8LL
Map tip: for the final approach, follow the festival’s official travel advice and event signage rather than trusting sat nav alone.
FAQs
Is Bearded Theory a camping festival?
Yes – camping is a core part of the weekend. You can stay off-site in hotels, but the main experience is geared around being on site for multiple days.
Is Bearded Theory family-friendly?
Many attendees describe it as very friendly for families, with plenty going on in the day. If you’re camping with kids, plan your pitch carefully and pack for sleep (earplugs/ear defenders can help if nearby areas are lively).
Is there a Wednesday early entry day?
Yes. There’s a Wednesday early entry add-on (with separate adult/under-18 pricing). If you’re bringing a live-in vehicle and arriving Wednesday, make sure you have the Wed–Sun vehicle pass.
What’s the easiest way to arrive by public transport?
The closest stations are Lichfield and Burton-upon-Trent, and there’s also an official shuttle service from Tamworth Station (Thursday arrivals and Monday departures). Book the shuttle in advance and leave extra time for the Monday return.
More help: Official FAQs
Ready to plan Bearded Theory 2026?
Start with tickets, then lock in your travel plan (especially if you’re using the Tamworth shuttle or coach). If you’re not camping, choose Derby or Burton as your base and keep your late-night transport simple.
About this guide: this page is built using official festival sources (tickets, travel and FAQs) plus clearly labelled attendee feedback, so it stays practical without promising rumours or setlists.
Final tip: if you’re travelling Monday, pack and tidy your camp early so you can leave before the biggest exit rush.
Key info
- Where: Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent (Derbyshire)
- Address: DE12 8LL
- When: 20–24 May 2026
- Type: Camping festival
- Tickets: Weekend camping + optional Wed early entry + parking/vehicle add-ons
- Main hub: Derby
Best quick tip: If you’re going by train, plan around the Tamworth shuttle (Thu in / Mon out) and book it ahead.