Multi-award winning independent alternative festival Bearded Theory returns to Derbyshire’s Catton Hall to celebrate its 15th year from 23-26 May 2024.

Rooted in community and bolstering an intrinsic punk ethos, the highly-coveted festival has become synonymous with championing powerhouse household acts in an intimate, quirky and inspiring utopia/ atmosphere.

The festival welcomes an electrifying selection of artists to the site, including a UK exclusive performance from iconic rock band, Los Angeles quartet Jane’s Addiction. Comprised of enigmatic frontman Perry Farrell, guitar hero Dave Navarro, and powerhouse rhythm section drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Eric Avery, the band are one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s and will make Bearded Theory their only UK festival performance of 2024.

Alongside this exciting exclusive comes headline performances from raucous and rowdy Australian punks Amyl and The Sniffers, sleek synth-pop ensemble Future Islands, Nottingham post-punk duo Sleaford Mods, influential electronica brothers Orbital, and a further UK exclusive performance with the addition of alternative indie rockers Dinosaur Jr..

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.

Dance and electronic music holds a huge and vital role in alternative communities. Bearded Theory embraces this beyond Big Ed not only through the galvanising appearance from main stage headliners, Orbital, but with their dedicated dance stage. Ravers galore are in for a treat, with an abundance of remarkable acts set to grace the stage, such as Mercury Award winning junglist Roni Size, ambient house pioneers The Orb, acid house phenomenons 808 State, psychedelic dance influencers System 7, and Utah Saints who have been DJing around the globe since the birth of House Music.

For parents attending with little ones and teenagers, the festival is pleased to announce that the innovative and cherished Festival School initiative returns to the Children’s Village yet again. The school requires official enrolment and permission from the children’s respective schools, runs from 9am-3pm for years Reception through till Year 10 on the Friday of the festival, and provides a huge itinerary of educational classes. Previous years have featured Maths (how to budget a music festival), PE classes by Derby County FC and Mr Motivator, Design & Technology (giving students the opportunity to create their own souvenir to take home!), 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 HERE.

Image: Izzy Challoner