Bearded Theory Festival Expands 2026 Line-Up with Exciting New Additions
Organisers of the Bearded Theory festival have revealed a host of new acts set to perform at this year's highly anticipated event. The independent festival, which returns to Catton Park in Derbyshire this May, has announced its full line-up, featuring a diverse array of musical talent across multiple stages.
Major New Musical Additions Announced
The festival has confirmed that acclaimed acts Everything Everything, The Horrors, and Opus Kink will be joining the bill. These new names complement previously announced headliners Garbage, Pixies, and Skunk Anansie, creating a robust musical programme that spans various genres and styles.
Other significant additions to the line-up include Scottish post-punk outfit The Twilight Sad, acid-house pioneer A Guy Called Gerald, and counter-culture figurehead Irvine Welsh. Underground legend Jon Spencer and psychedelic prog veterans Ozric Tentacles will also be performing, alongside buzzy indie-pop trio Swim School and American indie rock artist Sir Chloe.
Diverse Musical Programme Across Eight Stages
Bearded Theory will feature performances across eight distinct stages and areas, each offering unique experiences for festival-goers. The Pallet and Meadow stages will host the weekend's biggest musical moments, while the Woodland stage provides an intimate escape with unplugged sessions and raucous singalongs.
Additional musical highlights for 2026 include performances from CMAT, The Damned, Kae Tempest, Fat Dog, Big Special, Kate Nash, Getdown Services, Lambrini Girls, Peter Hook and the Light, Adult DVD, Gans, Heartworms, Pop Will Eat Itself, The Molotovs, and The Wedding Present.
Enhanced Festival Experience and Amenities
This year's festival introduces several new features designed to improve the attendee experience. The Junkyard area will offer boutique silver trailers complete with modern comforts including plush beds and private showers. The dedicated wellness and crafting sector EARTH promises a sanctuary of serenity and creativity with activities ranging from pottery and painting to basket weaving and immersive workshops.
The Sauna Box, featuring a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge experience, will provide festival-goers with opportunities for relaxation amidst the festival chaos. For those seeking late-night entertainment, Big Ed and CODA will return as the home for all things dance-oriented.
Expanded Family Offerings and Entertainment
The Festival School will return to the award-winning Children's Area with free places and a full curriculum including lessons ranging from mathematics to mindfulness and DJ workshops. For the first time, the Festival School will offer pre-school provision for 100 children aged 0-4, alongside the standard school for 200 Reception to Year 10 children.
Additional entertainment options include The Knockerdown, which serves as an arts and Q&A hub by day and transforms into a raucous karaoke hotspot by night. Convoy Cabaret, Maui Waui, and Something Else Tea Tent will provide a diverse array of alternative performances featuring underground talent.
Bearded Theory takes place at Catton Park in Derbyshire from Wednesday, May 20 to Sunday, May 24, 2026. Weekend adult tickets are priced at £255, with concessions, parking passes, accessible options, glamping, and travel packages also available.
