Bearded Theory Shares Second Wave Of Names For 2026, Including:
Garbage, The Damned, Cmat, Kae Tempest, Badly Drawn Boy, Bad Nerves, Kate Nash, Kid Kapichi, Newdad, Idlewild Jasmine.4.T, Native James & Many More
Previously Announced Headliners: Pixies & Skunk Anansie
Catton Park, Derbyshire, 20-24th May 2026
The festival today shares its second selection of artists to be added to the bill. Joining are 90s alternative heavyweights Garbage, pioneering British punks The Damned, respected troubadour Kae Tempest, empowering indie-pop artist Kate Nash, Mercury-Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy, intelligently humorous Irish songwriter CMAT, powerpop rock n rollers Bad Nerves, Scottish indie rockers Idlewild, Hastings beat-punks Kid Kapichi, immersive indie rock quad NewDad, dancefloor fillers EMF, brother and sister pair rock band The Magic Numbers, and so many more.
Bearded Theory takes great pride in supporting emerging artists, and the festival’s independent ethos paired with a strong commitment to championing new music alongside iconic household names, all without corporate sponsorship, ensure it remains a true alternative offer to the mainstream. The event’s booking approach has led to many buzzy names loading onto the lineup during its lifespan. This year, the festival welcomes 90s tinged up-and-comers Westside Cowboy, nu-metal rapper Native James, Irish dream-poppers She’s In Parties, UK punk collective Jools, melancholic heavy shoegazers thistle., Boygenius-endorsed songstress jasmine.4.t, gritty spoken-word duo Good Health Good Wealth, amongst others. Full list below.
Previously announced genre-spanning names include alt-rock legends Pixies in celebration of their 40th anniversary as a band, and genre-blending trailblazers Skunk Anansie. Additional exciting acts include Big Special, Fat Dog, Ferocious Dog, Getdown Services, Lambrini Girls, Panic Shack, Peter Hook and The Light (formerly of the influential post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order), Reverend and The Makers, Sprints, Heartworms, Pop Will Eat Itself, Venus Grrrls, The Wedding Present, Goldie, Neville Staple (The Specials), Stewart Lee, Utah Saints, Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy), Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Bez (Happy Mondays), Toots And The Maytals ft. Leba Hibbert, Graeme Park, Beans On Toast, and more.
Bearded Theory festival presents attendees with monthly payment instalment plans, enabling buyers to spread the cost of purchase up until May 2026. Tickets are on sale now. For more info on the payment plans, camping options and facilities please go HERE.