Bearded Theory have announced that seminal British rock act Skunk Anansie, and punk duo Slaves will headline the Pallet (Main) Stage, on the Friday of the 2017 festival, which takes place from 25th - 28th May at Catton Hall in South Derbyshire over the late May Bank Holiday.

Fronted by the legendary Skin, Skunk Anansie will be the the first female fronted band to headline Bearded Theory`s Spring Gathering. They are also the first band BT organiser saw headline his first festival back in 1999 when they headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage.

Talking ahead of their appearance the band said “Stoked to be headlining Friday at Bearded Theory. This festival is crazy good and we are looking forward to smashing it”.

Also appearing are The Alarm, New Model Army, The Selecter,  Goldblade, Sugar Hill Gang & Furious Five,  Ferocious Dog, Kassasin Street, Flight Brigade, The Mocking Jays and Jaya the Cat.

Performing on the Woodland Stage are Cast, Foy Vance, Reverand & The Makers.  Jon from Reverend & the Makers said “"If festivals were judged on vibe alone then Bearded Theory is the best in the world and we cannot wait to close the 10th anniversary"

Others artists on the bill are Tess of the Circle, Smiley & The Underclass, Roving Crows, Kissmet, Defekters, Proghorn, Wheatus, BT Sprockets, Son of Primo

Thursday at Bearded Theory 2017 will feature virtually the entire 2008 Saturday Main Stage bill! As such we welcome back Bearded favourites Dreadzone, 3 Daft Monkeys, Tarantism, True Decievers, Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs, Gail and Freedom to help celebrate the festivals 10th anniversary year. 

New additions planned for Bearded Theory 2017 include a Cinema Tent, an expanded line-up of music on the Thursday and a new late night ‘disco’ in the Maui Waui tent.

Once again, Bearded Theory’s unique Festival School (Read the recent Festivals For All Interview with School organiser Sally Booth) will be returning. Enrolments to the Festival School will go live on September 10th at 9am. Please note that you will need your ticket reference number before enrolling your child. The Festival School can assist in taking your child out of education without being fined. For full details please see the website.

Bakewell’s independent Thornbridge Brewery will continue their successful relationship with Bearded Theory, once again running the on-site bars and bringing with them a wide selection of Ale’s and Ciders at exceptionally reasonable prices.

Ticket Information

Adults £105
Under 16's £55
Under 12's £25,
Under 6' Free