Bearded Theory

About Bearded Theory

Bearded Theory 2027 runs at Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire as an independent music festival covering alternative, indie rock, punk, electronic/dance, folk, reggae and ska.

2007 was the first year, when the event began as a birthday celebration in a field behind a pub. The festival moved to Catton Hall/Catton Park in 2014, and the site traffic-management plan lists a 19,999 licensed capacity.

Lineup and Programme

8 music areas are listed for Bearded Theory: The Pallet, The Meadow, Woodland, CODA, Convoy Cabaret, Maui Waui, Something Else Tea Tent and Big Ed.

2027 headline acts have not been announced. The official line-up page says to stay tuned for 2027 news.

CODA and Big Ed host late-night DJ and electronic sets. The programme also includes Children’s Village activities, Festival School classes, and EARTH craft, wellness and healing workshops.

Who Is It For?

Alternative-music fans and families are the stated audience. The official site positions Bearded Theory as a family-friendly, multi-generational independent festival with children’s provision, camping and late-night music for live-band and dance audiences.

Children up to and including age 7 can attend free of charge but still need a ticket. All children and youth aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 21+, with a maximum of three teens per guardian.

The Venue and Site

Catton Park/Catton Hall estate is a private family home in the National Forest beside the middle Trent.

The Catton Estate says the estate has been in the Neilson family since 1405, covers 2,000 acres, and includes over 40 acres of restored parkland. Bearded Theory lists 10 campsite areas, including social, family, live-in vehicle, accessible and boutique options.

Facilities include 6 bars, accessible camping, accessible toilets, accessible showers, viewing platforms, a cash point, blue-badge parking, Children’s Village, Festival School and the EARTH crafts, healing and wellness area.

Travel to Bearded Theory

3 stations are listed in the official travel and FAQ information: Lichfield, Burton-upon-Trent and Tamworth Station.

• Tamworth Station: festival shuttle bus service listed by the official site.
• Lichfield and Burton-upon-Trent: listed as nearby rail options in the official FAQ.
• Road access: A38/A513 junction via Chetwynd Bridge for cars and motorcycles only.
• Walton-on-Trent Bailey Bridge: Station Lane route listed as unsuitable for live-in vehicles.
• Parking: advance car parking tickets are sold separately; weekend and camping tickets do not include vehicle parking.
• Car park pricing: pre-booked parking is listed at £33, with on-the-day parking at £35 cash only.

The official site says the car park is a 3–5 minute walk from the closest campsite. Sleeping in the car park is prohibited.