The excellent Bearded Theory festival once again returns to Catton Park in Derbyshire on Thursday 23rd May 2019 for their 12^th blessed incarnation.

Our FFA Reviewers consistently rate Bearded as a benchmark event for festivals of this size, and the splendid 2018 event was no exception.  Take a read of the FFA Bearded Theory 2018 Review for just a taster of what typically goes down over a magical weekend in the Derbyshire fields.

Value in the watch-word at Bearded and the festival continues to punch well above its weight for a relatively modest outlay, and the festival typically sells-out every year (the last few remaining tickets are priced at £122.50). The quality of the facilities and line-up is simply stunning for the price. Expect some cracking performances from the likes of Suede, The Cult, Doves, Editors, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Stiff Little Fingers, Dreadzone, and The Orb, as well as a couple of hundred more artists across nine stages!  

Now don’t be fooled; a great festival is much more than a great line-up. Bearded’s facilities and organisation are on the button, but it’s the vibe that sets Bearded apart. The crowd make the festival – and rightly so. There is a wonderful sense of community, and the festivals diverse music policy attracts all sorts. Its one big melting pot of good-times creating a fabulous and very special atmosphere.

Bearded is a multi-media feast of creative site art, comedy, barmy pop-up malarkey, a brilliant dance scene, theatre and circus, multiple healing and chill-out zones, atmospheric stages in the woods, and, oh, and did we mention a full-on beer and cider festival too?  Whilst the festival is commendably relaxed about bringing your own alcohol into the arena – please do support the countless bars with their huge variety of offerings.

Bearded simply excels in the provision of stuff for the kids and young teens, with the famous Bearded School rightly receiving plaudits aplenty from across the scene. Old cliché but there really is something for everyone at this bash.

FFA loves the fact that Bearded never rests on its laurels, and each year witnesses further continual improvements with 2019 witnessing improved traffic management, further greening schemes and improved environmental footprint amongst a raft of other enhancements. Our FFA reviewers are once again champing at the bit for this one. If you can still grab a ticket then do – it’s an excellent festival.

See you in the fields.

Article by Barrie Dimond