BEARDED THEORY FESTIVAL has announced that Adam Ant and his band the Good, the Mad & the Lovely Posse will headline on Friday 18th May. He replaces the previously announced Friday headliners, the Levellers, who were forced to withdraw due to an injury to their fiddle player, Jon Sevink. 

Steve Blount from Bearded Theory says, "We are delighted to be welcoming Adam Ant & the Good, the Mad & the Lovely Posseto headline Bearded Theory Festival. To find a high-quality replacement headline act with just four weeks before the festival was a tall order, so we are incredibly excited to have secured a performance from such an iconic artist as Adam Ant at this short notice. We wish Jon from the Levellers a speedy recovery and look forward to them hosting them at Bearded Theory at a future date.

Since returning to live performance in 2010, the legendary Adam Ant has enjoyed a massive resurgence in his career. With his group Adam and the Ants he was one of the pioneers of the new wave/post-punk movement, enjoying considerable success including Number 1 singles Stand and Deliver and Prince Charming. Going solo, he gave way to a more glam-pop musical direction that once again brought him UK chart-topping success, including the single Goody Two Shoes from the iconic album, Friend or Foe.

Though he stepped away from the limelight for a number of years, Adam Ant returned to regular live performance in 2010 to critical acclaim. His headline performance at Bearded Theory festival will be one of his biggest UK live dates since his return.

Taking place between 18th and 20th May 2012, Bearded Theory has firmly entrenched itself as the first 'proper' music festival of the season. 2012 will be Bearded Theory's fifth birthday and is a celebration of the music and musicians who either inspired the festival's inception, or who have become fan favourites over the years.

On Saturday night, Captain Sensible's Gothic Punk legends The Damned are top of the bill and founding favourites Dreadzone return to close the festival on Sunday night.

Other major acts also confirmed include The Selecter, Show of Hands, The Popes, Terrorvision, Back To The Planet, Dr & The Medics, Credit To The Nation and of course, perennial Bearded Theory favourites, 3 Daft Monkeys.
The fabulous Wheatus will be performing the now-legendary Sunday lunchtime slot, and word is they will wear custom made false beards for their entire performance!

Bearded Theory has also confirmed details of a number of exciting changes for 2012. These include a creation of two entirely new areas; Tornado Town (a festival within a festival), and The Water's Edge. Underlining their commitment to supporting local businesses, the festival have appointed Thornbridge Brewery in Bakwell, (located just 20 miles from the festival), to run their on-site bars.

Steve Blount from Bearded Theory Festival says, "We are delighted to have be named UK's Best Independent Festival at the prestigious AIM Music Awards in recognition of last year's fabulous event. Everyone involved in Bearded Theory is already working hard to try and deliver an even better one for next year. With two totally revamped areas and a whole range of new activities planned, 2012 is shaping up to be a vintage year for Bearded Theory Festival.

Tickets are priced at £74 (Adults), £40 (Under 16's), £25 (Under 12's) and Under 5`s are free (ticket is still required). A Family Ticket for 2 Adults & 2 Children is £190. Booking fees apply.

Tickerts available from We Got Tickets