Bearded Theory`s Spring Gathering is a multi-award winning creative and performing arts festival set in the beautiful grounds of Catton Hall in the heart of the National Forest. The festival borders 3 counties of West Midlands, South Derbyshire and Staffordshire and only 2 hours away for 50% of the UKs population.

 

In 2016 they won “UK`s Best Family Festival” award at the UK Festival Awards, In 2014 they won the “Promoter of the Year” award at the UK Festival Awards in London and Festival Kidz “Silver Award”. In 2013, after being shortlisted for many years, they finally won “Best Small Festival” at the UK Festival Awards and a Festival Kidz “Gold Award”. In 2011 they won the “UKs Best Independent Festival” at the AIM Music Awards.

 

Over the years they have also been shortlisted for many awards including Best Family Festival, Best Grassroots, and Best Toilets.

 

Bearded Theory has been recognised in the National press as being one of the best festivals of the summer in various articles in the Guardian, Express, Sun, Independent, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 1, Channel 4, BBC Entertainment and the Mirror.

 

They have an award-winning free Children’s Village along with an award-winning bar selling real ales, lagers and ciders at pub tariffs.

 

In addition, they are one of the very few festivals that allow you to bring your own drink into the arenas.

 

The festival has always been audience-led and its programming is operated the same now as when they started all those years ago. 

 

They book acts off the back of your recommendations, and improved their infrastructure in line with feedback – and source their vendors and bars off the back of the suggestions of people that attend.