Bearded Theory, winner of the 2011 AIM Music Awards Best Independent Festival, returns to the beautiful surroundings of the National Trust’s Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire this coming weekend 18th-20th May 2012. The event has already sold out, and no wonder! Famed for its annual attempt to break the world record for the number of people wearing beards at any one time, the festival is much more than simply a gathering of the hirsute.

Now in its fifth year, Bearded consistently manages to punch above its weight; not only in terms of the sheer quality of the lineup (we are talking the likes of Adam Ant, Dreadzone, The Damned, Show Of Hands, The Popes, and Back To The Planet, to name but a few), but also in the exceptionally high quality of all the other good stuff that goes to make a great weekend. The festival is constantly evolving with the addition of two new areas this year - Tornado Town (described as a ‘festival within a festival’ ), and The Water’s Edge. Expect quality food and drink at Northern prices, first class camping and facilities, plus all the other, non-music ingredients like cabaret, workshops, buskers, and, of course, loads for the kids. This is truly an event for all the family. 

FFA spoke exclusively to Rich Bryan, festival organiser, recently, and he told us “.... we take the best bits of carnivals and village fete’s where it’s great if they have a band on to top the evening off." So you can expect that same kind of laid back, fun, vibe. You can read the exclusive interview with Rich HERE.

Bearded has been in the frame for awards since its inception, and is rightly regarding as one of keynote festivals of the year. The quality of the lineup throughout the bill reflects this of course. 2012 is Bearded Theory’s fifth birthday and the line-up reflects that it is a celebration of the music and musicians who either inspired the festival’s inception, or who have become fan favourites over the years – so the ‘festival house band’ Dreadzone are up there once again on the main stage, alongside other favourites.

FFA can heartily recommend acts like Mad Dog Mcrea, and Leatherat to the uninitiated; whilst this reviewers faves of the moment, the magnificent Tarantism, hold court on The Waters Edge Stage on Friday with some splendid dancefolkrockpunkjazzdance (yes, that’s right). You can catch one of Rich’s tips for the top, Rasta4eyes, on Sunday. But whatever your preference, it’s guaranteed that this will be a thoroughly excellent weekend for music.

Festivals For All will be in attendance, and like the five thousand lucky ticket holders, we can’t wait!

Bearded Theory is held at Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire 18th-20th May 2012… full details HERE.

 

Article by Barrie Dimond