On the Ground: Bearded Theory 2024

Words and photographs: Eerie Rose | Read in depth written review with full music coverage here

Bearded Theory 2024 was a sticky, slimy, muddy affair. Apocalyptic clouds loomed, weather warnings threatened…but the show must go on, and the punters took to the undesirable weather conditions like ducks to water (literally). Wellies and raincoats galore, the crowd danced the weekend away regardless, showing up in droves for headliners SOFT PLAY, Dexys, Bob Vylan, Jane’s Addiction, Future Islands, Dinosaur Jr and Amyl and the Sniffers. Situated in the heart of the National Forest, Bearded Theory is held at Catton Hall in Derbyshire, making it less than a 2-hour drive for 50% of the UK’s population. It’s an independent festival which began as a birthday celebration in a field behind a pub, but has become one of the fastest growing festivals winning multiple awards and booking world-renowned artists. It maintains an authentic, not corporate feel, booking artists mostly on the punkier, alternative rock and indie side of things, with their lineup incredibly well balanced between music legends, current stars and very underground artists.

This year saw some incredible sets, from Bob Vylan tearing up the main stage in front of a screen that read ‘Bob Vylan is Killing Punk Rock',’ to Irish punk band Problem Patterns kicking off the Sunday with a high-energy performance at the Meadow stage. The festival’s choice of artists really demonstrates a clear interest in music as a fluid, dynamic art - without the guidance of corporate sponsors, or influence by clout or celebrity status, bands are booked based on their relevancy and contribution to music today. Instagram followers don’t matter, it’s about the sound and it was a pleasure to witness such huge legends like Jane’s Addiction and Dinosaur Jr share headline slots with fresh talent such as SOFT PLAY and Bob Vylan, artists born in the UK diy scene.

Laid out like a secret countryside village, complete with tents set up like local pubs, the design of the festival felt very magical, and reminded me of Green Man in lots of ways. The woodland stage’s secluded greenery was perfect for intimate sets from artists like Melin Melyn and BC Camplight, and transitioned perfectly from a green grassy tree-lined glen in the daytime, to a fairylight-lit, dreamy hollow at night…not a sleepy hollow, that is - as it was home to the silent disco most nights. The Convoy Cabaret and the Maui Waui tents were trippy, highly conceptual spaces, like funky dive bars from outer space. The outside dance stage was designed in the shape of a green man’s head with mushrooms growing from his hair, made from foliage and sticks and aptly called the Big Ed, while the larger stages (the Meadow and Pallet) were more typical festival affairs, but hosted such a diverse range of artists that really kept the spirit of Bearded Theory alive.

Overall, the festival was a smash hit, despite the less than ideal weather. Through the rain and shine, Bearded Theory proved itself to be a festival based on community, and a shared love of music in all it’s forms. Amyl and the Sniffers closed this year’s events with a hard-hitting, monumental show on the main stage, and as the fireworks exploded overhead, it was clear we’d be leaving with memories to cherish for years to come.

Bearded Theory 2025 tickets on sale Friday 7th June

Read our full in-depth coverage with day by day rundown of what happened this year here