Festival Information
East Midlands
Overview
First held in 2008, Bearded Theory is an independent, family-oriented camping festival at Catton Park in Derbyshire. Its programme brings alternative, rock, punk, indie, folk and electronic music to several stages, alongside comedy, spoken word and late-night entertainment.
Beyond the stages, the festival includes crafts, workshops and wellbeing activities, together with a Children's Village and Festival School. General, social and family camping form part of the weekend experience, giving the event a strong community focus across its five days.
Line-up
View the
official line-up for current artists and stages.
Note: The programme may continue to develop, so check the official page for the latest information.
Festival Attendance: ≈ 15,000 festival-goers
This figure reflects the organiser's reported attendance for a recent five-day festival. It provides an approximate indication of the event's scale rather than a confirmed licensed site capacity.
First held: 20082027 edition: 18th
Location
Bearded Theory Festival takes place at Catton Park, Walton-upon-Trent, Derbyshire, DE12 8LL. Catton Park is a 250-acre private park estate beside the River Trent, with stages, activity areas and campsites spread across open grassland and woodland edges. The site is predominantly flat, although grass and uneven ground can affect movement around the festival.
Travel Info
Cars should follow the official event signs when approaching Catton Park. Campervans and caravans have prescribed routes because nearby bridges have width restrictions. Festival coach services and a railway-station shuttle may also be available.
See Bearded Theory's Travel Page for current routes, transport options, advance booking and arrival information.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: £65 - £280
This approximate range covers paid child and adult weekend tickets, including an allowance for booking fees. Free tickets are available for younger children. Always check the official ticket page for current pricing.
Tickets can be purchased through Bearded Theory's official Tickets Page.
Options include:
- Adult Weekend (Thursday - Sunday)
- 12 - 16 Years (Thursday - Sunday)
- 8 - 11 Years (Thursday - Sunday)
- 0 - 7 Years (Thursday - Sunday)
Upgrades and Extras:
- Wednesday Early Entry
- Parking Pass
- Campervan/Caravan Pass
- Campervan/Caravan + Power Hookup Pass
Important Ticket Information
Only purchase tickets through official booking links provided by Bearded Theory Festival. Day tickets are not available. Visitors aged 17 or younger must attend with a parent or guardian aged 21 or over, with a maximum of three teenagers per responsible adult. Check the current official ticket terms, age bands and entry conditions before booking.
Accommodation
Bearded Theory Festival is a camping festival. General, social and family camping are included with weekend admission, while live-in vehicle pitches, pre-pitched tents and boutique camping require separate advance booking.
Accommodation Options:
- General and social camping
- Family and quieter camping
- Accessible camping
- Campervan and caravan areas
- Pre-pitched tents
- Boutique camping and glamping
Visitors staying off site can find nearby hotel and B&B information in the festival's official FAQ. The same page explains the current campsite arrangements, vehicle requirements and prohibited items.
Packing Checklist:
Ensure you are fully prepared for your festival adventure with Festival Calendar UK's Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
Bearded Theory Festival provides a managed accessible camping area on flat ground close to the main arena. Accessible camping and live-in vehicle spaces must be arranged in advance, although visitors do not need to camp there to use the festival's access facilities.
- Accessible toilets and showers
- Charging for wheelchairs and medical equipment
- Viewing platforms at the two principal stages
- Prescription medication storage
- Free companion tickets subject to eligibility and approval
- Off-road mobility scooter and wheelchair hire
- Registered assistance dogs by prior arrangement
The wider festival site is predominantly flat but consists of grass with some uneven areas. Strobe lighting may be used during performances without an immediate warning. Visit Bearded Theory's official accessibility page for applications, eligibility and current arrangements.
