Bearded Theory

Bearded Theory is an independent festival held at Catton Park, on the Derbyshire-Staffordshire border, over the late May bank holiday weekend. It started small and has grown into one of the friendliest festivals around, with a crowd that mixes old punks, veteran ravers and families.

The music runs from punk, ska and reggae to indie, folk and dance, across a main stage, tents and a woodland stage. There's a big children's area and plenty to do away from the bands, but it never loses its loose, good-natured feel.