Robert Plant, Jesus & Mary Chain & more for Bearded Theory 2018

Festival Crowd Header

Bearded Theory have announced an astonishing line-up for 2018, securing a rare festival performance by one of the world’s greatest rock and roll voices, Robert Plant, to headline on Saturday night.

The former Led Zeppelin frontman will be bringing his band The Sensational Space Shifters, who have been selling out venues around the world and will be performing a set full of classic hits and new material.

 

In 1967, Robert Plant formed a group called the Band of Joy with drummer John Bonham. Soon, Bonham, Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, and bassist John Paul Jones assembled to become The New Yardbirds, which became Led Zeppelin, the biggest selling rock band of all time. Since the Led Zeppelin era ended, Plant has put his wide-ranging musical fascination to good use on solo albums; with Jimmy Page; and with bands like Priory of Brion and Strange Sensation.

Before recent projects in Nashville with Alison Krauss and Band of Joy, Plant worked alongside Strange Sensation, recording the critically-acclaimed Grammy-nominated albums Dreamland and Mighty Rearranger. From this platform, Sensational Space Shifters developed.

As you would expect from Bearded Theory Festival, joining Robert Plant on the bill is an exceptional and diverse collection of live acts, including Sunday headliner and fellow rock and roll hall of fame reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, Scottish indie heroes The Jesus & Mary Chain, local boy Jake Bugg, Electronic Punk Duo Sleaford Mods and English punk sensations Idles alongside classic festival acts such as Fun Lovin Criminals, The Coral, Sleeper, Dub Pistols, and hundreds more over 9 live stages.

With Louder Than War saying of last year’s event that “Bearded Theory has grown to become one of the finest festivals the UK has to offer”, the pressure was on for 2018. However once again the organisers (and their 100% audience-focused attitude) have most certainly risen to the challenge.

With more than 65% of tickets for this year’s festival already sold, 2018 is looking set to be the festival’s 9th straight sell-out year in a row.

Alongside unquestionably their biggest, boldest and most diverse line-up to date, Bearded Theory will also be providing a huge variety of non-musical entertainment over the weekend.

The biggest new addition is the One Big Showcase stage, a large stage for unsigned bands, which received over 2000 applications for this stage alone. The festival has also added a Theatre Stage and the Kettle End of Universe; a quiet area based around a campfire.  

The Woodland will welcome Funhouse Comedy for the first time – they are taking over the stage daily from midnight, providing laughs aplenty well into the early hours, and have confirmed a stunning line up featuring the likes of Tom Wrigglesworth, Scott Bennett, Rob Mullholland, Sean Percival, Susan Murray ,Wes Zaharuk and many more

The Pallet Stage will have a little makeover, we welcome back Maui Waui, Magical Sounds and the Convoy Cabaret. Rogues Hideout (for teenagers) is being made bigger for the evening show, The Ship returns with a different music selection and Something Else Tea Tent will be providing everyone with cake and rebels once again. The Earth Area, the innovative and unique on-site School, and the free Children’s Village will remain as before.

Family camping has also once again been extended with an additional 2 fields secured, to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment for the many thousands of families who attend the festival every year. This option should be selected at the time of ticket purchase to assist space allocation.

Published on 13 January 2018 by UKFG

Recent News More news

  • 2000trees Festival 2026 Lineup Revealed

    2000trees Festival announces the first names on their 2026 lineup, including headliners Alkaline Trio and Glassjaw. The event will take place in July 2026 at Upcote Farm in Cheltenham. Check out the full lineup below.

  • James Arthur and Becky Hill set for Together Again Festival slot

    X Factor icon James Arthur, alongside Becky Hill and Ministry of Sound Classical, will headline the Together Again Festival in Chester. The festival promises a weekend filled with music from various artists, including Example, Jax Jones, and The Feeling.

  • David Gray, Pete Tong at Hampton Court Palace Festival 2026

    The Hampton Court Palace Festival 2026 has announced the lineup for its June edition, featuring performances by David Gray, OMD, Pete Tong, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Get ready for an unforgettable concert series in the historic Tudor palace.

  • Madness to Headline Lakefest 2026 Festival

    Legendary British band Madness will headline Lakefest 2026 with a set filled with nostalgia and singalong moments. Learn more about this exciting lineup!

Upcoming Festivals Browse all

  • Simple Things Festival

    08 November 2025

    Join us at the Simple Things Festival on November 8, 2025, for an exhilarating journey through diverse musical landscapes. This one-day extravaganza showcases a vibrant mix of genres and talents, offe...

  • London Jazz Festival

    14 November - 23 November 2025

    Experience the soulful sounds and rhythmic beats of the London Jazz Festival, slated for November 14-23, 2025. This iconic event transforms London into a jazz haven, featuring world-renowned artists a...

  • Terminal V London

    14 November 2025

    Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and dancing, as Terminal V London takes over Drumsheds on Friday, November 14, 2025! This one-day festival brings world-class electronic music acts to the...