The Festival
Oh how we love Bearded Theory. It has, unfortunately, been some years since we last had the opportunity to attend thanks to the vagaries of life conspiring to get in the way and so, to say that we’re excited to be heading Catton Hall-wards once again is something of an understatement. Put simply, Bearded Theory is one of the friendliest, best curated festivals out there, offering a genuinely immersive experience that sees the real world held at bay from the moment you enter the hallowed grounds of Catton Hall.
With its creators having put genuine thought into the set-up, it’s one of the few festivals that can lay claim to being truly family friendly. Where so many pay lip service to the idea, perhaps with a discounted ticket, Bearded Theory has gone so far as to offer an OFSTED accredited school, meaning that families who want to bring their children can ensure they don’t miss out on their education. It’s this, alongside myriad other touches, that makes Bearded Theory stand out as something uniquely special in the annual festival calendar.
Moreover, while it is first and foremost a music festival, Bearded Theory goes further, with the Earth Area offering arts, crafts, healing spaces, and more all jostling for space amidst the beautifully decorated stages. As such, there’s an argument to be made that Bearded Theory, with its thoughtful approach and independent spirit, somehow captured the magic that left Glastonbury when it did a deal with the devil to become the commercial behemoth that it is today. Certainly, the values that lie at the heart of Bearded Theory stem first and foremost from community with each year’s spectacular line up reflecting that ethos.
In short, whether you’re looking to rock out to a band, lie dreamily in a beautifully decorated field, or learn to craft your own pipe, Bearded Theory will cater to your needs, making for an overwhelmingly positive experience.
The Stages
Despite being a relatively small festival, Bearded Theory offers eight stages, all of which serve to keep festival goers entertained well into the early hours of the morning. These include the pallet stage (the main stage), the newly introduced Meadow stage, the Coda dance tent and, our personal favourite, the Woodland stage, which is nestled amidst the trees. With each stage boasting its own unique look and feel, whether you’re familiar with the line up or not, you’ll always find something to enjoy.
The Music
For 2025, the organisers of Bearded Theory have managed to curate a line up so packed with awesome acts that choosing just ten is akin to throwing darts at a board with a 12-inch bullseye. Nevertheless, here are the bands that we feel are absolutely essential”
Mclusky
Regular readers of this site will know we love mclusky. Hell, we gleefully awarded them a Spinal Tap-esque 11 out of 10 for their new album, The World Is Still Here And So Are We, and we stand by that somewhat rabid decision. The fact that mclusky have returned at all is nothing short of a minor miracle, and we fully expect them to lay waste to the stage with their blistering combination of post-hardcore and biting sarcasm. Making good on their boast of having more songs than a song convention, mclusky’s greatest strength lies in a rare talent to make even the most abrasive guitar riff catchy and, let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy singing along to “all of your friends are c***s, your mother is a ballpoint pen thief…”? With albums like The Difference Between Me And You Is That I’m Not On Fire and Do Dallas under their belt, mclusky can do no wrong, and they look set to be the absolute highlight of Bearded Theory 2025. If we had our way, they’d probably headline all three nights. Now, there’s an idea…
Iggy Pop
Although he’d probably balk at the title, Iggy is a living legend whose back catalogue is a testament to a lifelong passion for the power of music to move the world. Those familiar with the opening of Mogwai’s epic Come On Die Young will have heard a sample of Iggy waxing lyrical on the essence of punk rock. In the years since that interview was granted, he has deviated from that description not one jot and, with his enduring passion for the form, his shows today remain as captivating and as intense as ever.
Well into his seventh decade, Iggy remains refreshingly bullshit-free, unsullied by the commercial aspects of an industry tailor made to break artists. For reference, newcomers and old hands alike should track down the exceptional Montreux Jazz Festival 2023 set, which was released earlier this year. As for Bearded Theory, expect classic Stooges cuts, blistering new material, and everything in between, Iggy’s headline slot will be something to remember.
Manic Street Preachers
Once a band who lived on the edge of an implosion, that we still have the Manic Street Preachers at all is something that should never be taken for granted. A mercurial act, from the Guns ‘n’ Roses-aping debut to the epic grandeur of The Ultra Vivid Lament, and via the heart-stopping horror of The Holy Bible, the band have continued to evolve their sound, all the while retaining their core identity, not least thanks to the ever thought -provoking lyrics that have been the band’s calling card since their earliest releases.
With the wiry post punk of latest album Critical Thinking showing that the Manics remain one of the most articulate and impassioned bands of their generation, their headline set is likely to offer a stunning mix of old favourites and current album highlights.
Ash
From their precocious 1977 debut on, Ash showcased an ability to pen tunes that provide an enduring soundtrack to the listener’s life. Timeless in their appeal, whether dealing in classics like Oh yeah and Goldfinger, or tougher fare such as Clones from the massively underrated Meltdown, Ash never disappoint live and, with 2023’s excellent Race The Night still firmly on the playlist, it seems that the band have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. A festival favourite who can brighten even the darkest day, you can expect some of the weekend’s biggest singalongs courtesy of Ash.
Leftfield
Another band tailor-made for the festival experience, Leftfield can lay claim to having produced at least one certifiable classic in the form of Leftism although, in truth, neither Rhythm and Stealth nor 2022’s This Is what We Do are far behind in terms of songwriting quality. Effortlessly combining dub, reggae, progressive house, trip hop and even, when the mood takes them, punk, Leftfield’s immense influence towers not just over electronic music but the world of music as a whole.
With seismic beats and timeless melodies under their hands, Leftfield are true masters of their craft, with tracks from their still peerless debut guaranteed to fit Bearded Theory’s hazy, loved-up vibe.
Dreadzone
Speaking of loved up… Beloved of John Peel, which is enough of a recommendation in itself, Dreadzone are a uniquely joyful experience both on stage and on record. The band captivated audiences from their 1993 debuton, although it was 1995’s Second Light that sealed the deal. Possessed of magpie instincts causing them to draw influence from anywhere and everywhere, Dreadzone have never made the same song twice, let alone the same record, and their enviable catalogue now includes all manner of treasures although, for our money, it’s the evergreen wonder of Eye On The Horizon that might just top their numerous achievements.
Fronted by the dynamic duo of Earl 16 and MC Spee, Dreadzone are Bearded Theory regulars and with good reason – they always bring the sun.
Terrorvision
Bradford’s finest return to set the pit bouncing with the likes of Alice What’s The Matter (still one of the band’s hardest hitting cuts), Oblivion, Middleman, and Perseverance – timeless anthems all. Fronted by the effervescent Tony Wright, the band more or less lived on the festival circuit in the late 90s and know exactly what they need to do to get a crowd moving.
Having periodically reformed and disbanded a number of times since their initial dissolution in 2001, Terrorvision’s excellent return with We Are Not Robots may have brought them back out on the road, but it’s important to make the most of them – resistance is futile, we’ll see you in the pit!
Throwing Muses
Formed in 1981 by Kristin Hersh and Belly’s Tanya Donnelly, although the latter is no longer part of the line up, Throwing Muses are one of those bands who seem to have quietly (and not so quietly) existed within the US underground over the decades, occasionally surfacing to offer up an exceptional album, only to just as quickly disappear. Yet, if they don’t hog the limelight, they are still beloved among alt rock fans and Kristin Hersh exudes an effortless cool that places her alongside the likes of Kim Gordon and Kim Deal in terms of presence and artistry.
With the band’s eleventh album, the moody Moonlight Concessions having just been released, their return is most welcome.
Shonen Knife
Legendary Japanese punk rockers Shonen Knife play these shores all too infrequently and their appearance at Bearded Theory is one hell of a coup, not least because the band are likely to have influenced any number of other acts on the bill. Heavily influenced by the breakneck delivery of the Ramones, a band to whom Shonen Knife regularly pay tribute, these Japanese rockers will surely light up Catton Hall with their sub-three-minute anthems, including Twist Barbie (legendarily one of Kurt Cobain’s favourite tracks), and Top Of The World. One of the coolest punk bands ever to tread the boards, Shonen Knife are just awesome.
Asian Dub Foundation
Fiercely intelligent, musically adept, and intensely principled, Asian Dub Foundation are one of those rare bands that somehow bridge the divide between fans of hip hop, punk, rock, trip hop, and metal– the latter surely attracted by the power of the band’s delivery and the searing honesty of their lyrics. Musically, the band are unstoppable, fusing styles and sounds with dizzying ease, all the while maintaining their own unique musical identity. With the world currently witnessing a resurgence of right wing thinking and populism, Asian Dub Foundation’s principled fury is more important than ever, but it’s important to remember that the band have always tempered their rage with hope, reminding us that anger can be an energy as well as a destructive force.
See you at Catton Hall
Bearded Theory is an absolute gem in the annual festival calendar. With a stunning array of acts, it is one of the most positive and life affirming festivals the UK has to offer. We’ll see you there!
Full line-up:
IGGY POP • MANIC STREET PREACHERS
PAUL HEATON WITH SPECIAL GUEST RIANNE DOWNEY
THE SISTERS OF MERCY • YARD ACT • PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING
LEFTFIELD • THE MARY WALLOPERS • ENGLISH TEACHERº
CMAT • NOVA TWINS • LOTTERY WINNERS • ASH • EZRA FURMAN
FAT DOGº • NADINE SHAH • ANTONY SZMIEREK• MANNEQUIN PUSSY
KATY J PEARSON • DIVORCE • TERRORVISION
A-Z • ALT BLK ERA • ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION • BEANS ON TOAST • BARE JAMS • BESS ATWELL • DEADLETTERΔ
DREADZONE • DREAM STATE • DU BLONDE • GIRLBAND! • GURRIERS • LIME GARDEN • MCLUSKY
MOLOTOV JUKEBOX˚• MILLIE MANDERS AND THE SHUTUP • NED’S ATOMIC DUSTBIN • SHE DREW THE GUN
SHONEN KNIFE • STEWART LEE • SWIM DEEP • THE ALARM˚ • THE LOVELY EGGS • THE MEFFS˚
THE SELECTER • THE SLOW READERS CLUB • THE SUGARHILL GANG & THE FURIOUS FIVE
THE VASELINES • THROWING MUSES • W.I.T.C.H.˚• ZION TRAIN
A-Z • ADWAITH˚ • ANGELINE MORRISON • AUDIOWEB • BENTLEY RHYTHM ACE • CASTLE RAT˚
CHRIS HAWKINS (BBC 6 MUSIC) DJ SET˚ • CLT DRP˚ • DAKKA SKANKS • DEJA VEGA • EIGHTY EIGHT MILES˚
GAZ BROOKFIELD AND THE COMPANY OF THIEVES • GETDOWN SERVICES • HEADSTICKSΔ
INDEPENDENT COUNTRY Δ • INNER TERRESTRIALS˚ • JESS SILK TRIO˚• MAN/WOMAN/CHAINSAW
MERRY HELL • MIDNIGHT RODEO˚ • MIKI BERENYI TRIO • MUDDY SUMMERS & THE DFWS˚
N’FAMADY KOUYATE • NICK PARKER • NUALA • POPES OF CHILLITOWN • RUBY J • SLANEY BAY˚
SLAY DUGGEE • SOPHIE JAMIESON • STICK IN THE WHEELΔ • THE BAR-STEWARD SONS OF VAL DOONICAN
THE BRANDY THIEVES˚• THE DEEP BLUE • THE DELTONES • THE NONE • THE PILL
TRUPA TRUPA • TTSSFU • UJAHMΔ • 3 DAFT MONKEYS
CODA
PHIL HARTNOLL (ORBITAL DJ SET) • L.T.J BUKEM • IRVINE WELSH
MR C (THE SHAMEN DJ SET – LIVE PA)
ALTERN-8 • BILLY DANIEL BUNTER • CARL LOBEN • CHRIS LIBERATOR
DiY SOUNDSYSTEM (GRACE SANDS, JACK & PEZZ) • DRUM MACHINE (LIVE)
DUB PISTOLS (BARRY ASHWORTH DJ SET) • FREESTYLERS • JACK SAID WHAT
K-KLASS • LEEROY THORNHILL (EX-PRODIGY) • STEVE MAC • UTAH SAINTS
CONVOY CABARET • MAUI WAUI • THE SOMETHING ELSE TEA TENT
FUNHOUSE COMEDY • THE MAGIC TEAPOT • CINEMA NIGHTS
EARTH AREA • REAL ALE PUBS • DELICIOUS FOOD STALLS • MARKET STALLS
AWARD-WINNING CHILDREN’S VILLAGE • THE FESTIVAL SCHOOL • FUNFAIR
˚Performing on Thursday
Δ Performing on Wednesday
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