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We are back at our favourite festival ever! We attended our 4th year at Bearded Theory 21st-24th May, and it was just as brilliant, and lovely as always. Nestled in beautiful countryside, Catton Hall in Derbyshire is a perfect setting to host the multi award winning independent music and performing arts festival.

The temperatures were crazy hot all weekend, but that didn’t stop us enjoying our happy place. We were blessed with loads of amazing live acts amongst lots of lovely friendly diverse crowds.

Friday

Today was the first full day of the festival and we were in for a treat as always, with the amazing line up! It was a hot day so we layered the sun cream on, loaded with plenty of hydration, we headed to the fields. Here’s Gregg’s Friday Round-up.

A Sheffield treasure and one of the funniest, warmest acts on the festival circuit. The Everley Pregnant Brothers are a ukulele powered comedy band who specialise in parodying classic songs with brilliantly daft Yorkshire twists. We got belly laughs, mass singalongs, and a tent full of people shouting lyrics they absolutely shouldn’t be shouting. They are pure community joy.

Festival vibes throughout the day were still high despite the dry heat. People were soaking up the atmosphere and water stations were dotted all around the site, including water given out down at the main stage barrier.

Industrial alt rock pioneers who helped define the late 80s/early 90s crossover sound. Pop Will Eat Itself blend samples, electronics, rock guitars and anarchic humour into something that still feels ahead of its time. Live, they’re chaotic in the best way

One of the original UK punk bands and still an absolute force on stage are The Damned. and it’s all delivered with the swagger of a band who helped invent the genre. Dave Vanian’s baritone and Captain Sensible’s chaos remain iconic. Their set is a masterclass in how to age disgracefully and brilliantly.

A Bearded Theory favourite: the tongue in cheek, high energy Taylor Swift tribute – Taylor More Swiftly that doesn’t take itself too seriously but absolutely nails the party atmosphere. If I’m honest I walked to the wrong stage, didn’t know a single song they played, and had a great time lol

Friday’s powerhouse headliner. Skunk Anansie remain one of the UK’s most electrifying live bands, driven by Skin’s unmistakable voice and magnetic stage presence. A Skunk headline set is both intense and theatrical, an absolute joy to watch.

Saturday

Team CP arrived on site to catch some early acts, loaded with sun cream and water again, as this was going to be another hot one! Here’s Ange’s Saturday round-up.

Today we had another packed line up full of talent including legends such as Pixies, Reverend & The Makers & Toots & the Maytals with a sprinkling of other diverse acts. I was particularly chuffed to see Holly and Dave of The Lovely Eggs compering the main stage for today. What delightful compering they did indeed!

One of the first acts of the day were one from another planet – Henge – Resistance is futile, but dancing is mandatory. Far out vibes from these, well received by the crowd. These are the epitome of diverse music 🙂

One of my personal faves of the day included the fiercely outspoken Kate Nash, who’s lyrics mostly highlight the issues in the world today. The crowd loved her performance and especially when Kate joined them down the front to continue her set.

Powerpop rock n roll 5-piece band from Essex tore the Meadow stage a new one. Bad Nerves are known as the bastard child of Ramones/Strokes one night stand. I can see why, they delivered a high energy fast paced punk filled set. My kind of set, and to shoot is a joy!

Another firm favourite of the crowd as well as mine is CMAT. Ciara is another outspoken female who has recently received backlash because of how she looks! How cruel some people are, all I see is a strong, beautiful independent woman. If you read this Ciara – you go girl, ignore the bitter haters!

The site was well laid out as per previous years, we love that it is just the right size, not having to walk miles between stages. The crowds seemed bigger this year due to other large festivals not taking place we think this had an impact on the number of tickets sold. It still was not over crowded and revellers were having a great time, it was clear to see. The funfair was in full swing, kids having fun with bubbles, lots of stalls selling crafts, food and much more, the festival caters for everyone! Most of all we love seeing the smiles on all the faces of people having a great time.

One to watch were late to the party Pet Needs, who were added to the line up only 2 days before the festival. I’ve heard great things about these 4 lads from Essex, so had to head over for their 30 mins set. Well worth the watch, and they certainly made sure they were remembered from that high octane full on energetic set! Awesome.

Toots & the Maytals fronted by Toot’s daughter Leba were brilliant, and had the crowd dancing along to their summer reggae vibes!

Headliners for the Saturday on the Pallet stage were Pixies they took the appreciative crowd for a trip down memory lane with their brilliant set of classics with a few unknown numbers.

Over on the Meadow Stage were headliners Reverend and the Makers. Another nostalgic set from the guys from Sheffield. Front man John’s charismatic stage presence along with crowd sing and dance-alongs made this set very entertaining.

Sunday

Sunday brought mixed emotions, as it was the final day of the festival, but also another cracking line up to come! Revellers were showing up, still with the same delighted look as day 1, even though we were hot, sweaty, tired, but it did not stop the thrill and delight this festival brings. Here’s Gregg the trooper’s final round up.

One of Bearded Theory’s most beloved recurring acts. The Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican are a comedy folk troupe armed with knitted tank tops, reworked pop classics and a level of silliness that could power the National Grid.

A genre mashing, high camp, electro punk performance art tornado. Lynks mixes pounding beats, queer theatre, razor sharp social commentary and choreography

The Original Rood Boi himself. Neville Staple brought a set full of 2 Tone classics, ska sunshine and feel good nostalgia.

A 90s crossover titan. Rap rock, metal, electronica and political fire all smashed together. Senser live are intense.

Art pop innovators Everything Everything have a sound that blends angular guitars, falsetto vocals, glitchy electronics and big emotional undercurrents.

One of Britain’s most enduring and beloved rock bands. The Wildhearts delivered a wall of riffs, harmonies and punk infused attitude, all wrapped around Ginger’s unmistakable songwriting.

Garbage are a world class alternative rock band with a catalogue of hits and Shirley Manson brings charisma, edge and emotional weight. Pefect Sunday night crescendo.

We cannot put into words how great this festival is. In a society full of pressure, challenges and conflict, this is a welcomed space away from it all, to have fun, dance and laugh with respectful like-minded people. We recommend you experience it for yourselves, you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you for visiting and see you all next year.