The UK’s favourite independent festival for misfits and music obsessives, Bearded Theory, is back in 2025 with another stacked lineup, and it just got even bigger.
The third wave of acts has landed, bringing a fresh batch of legends, cult heroes, and dancefloor destroyers to Catton Park next May.
Among the latest additions are cinematic soundscapers Public Service Broadcasting, indie dreamers Swim Deep, hip-hop pioneers The Sugarhill Gang & The Furious Five, and political psych-pop outfit She Drew The Gun. There’s also a long-overdue Bearded Theory debut for Welsh post-hardcore cult heroes Mclusky, while Irvine Welsh will be on the decks, proving that writing Trainspotting wasn’t his only contribution to hedonism.
Meanwhile, the dance stage, CODA, is gearing up for some serious raving with drum and bass don L.T.J Bukem, rave revivalists Altern 8, and Mr C of The Shamen bringing a live PA DJ set.
They join the already-announced Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Utah Saints, and K-Klass, ensuring the BPM will be staying high all weekend.
A lineup that keeps getting better
Of course, these new names are just the icing on an already ridiculously stacked cake. Bearded Theory 2025 is set to be headlined by Iggy Pop, Manic Street Preachers, and Paul Heaton with Rianne Downey, with an undercard that boasts The Sisters of Mercy, Yard Act, Leftfield, CMAT, Nova Twins, English Teacher, Ezra Furman, and The Mary Wallopers.
Whether you’re looking for classic punk, indie anthems, electronic pioneers, or the next big thing, Bearded Theory continues to prove why it’s one of the UK’s best-loved festivals. Plus, it’s got all the extras: a Festival School for kids, a Woodland Stage for intimate sets, and a brand new dance tent that debuted last year to wild success.
Tickets and payment plans
Bearded Theory 2025 takes place at Catton Park, Derbyshire, from 21st-25th May. Tickets are available now with monthly payment plans, making it easier to spread the cost. More info on camping, facilities, and ticket options is available on the official site.
Editors’ Picks
- ★★★★☆ Joy Crookes at Islington Assembly Hall | South London songstress makes a ravishing return
Joy Crookes cut a figure of elegance at Islington Assembly Hall, as she reeled off new tracks from her soon-to-be announced album for BRITs Week’s charitable run of shows in support of War Child. - ‘There’s nowt to hide behind – this is just me, expressing myself as honestly as I can.’ | Antony Szmierek interviewed
From English teacher to BBC 6 Music’s Artist of the Year, Antony Szmierek is redefining spoken-word-infused indie dance. He talks to us about UFOs, happy accidents, and the Great Pyramid of Stockport. - Why Spotify’s AI DJ will NEVER replace real DJs
AI is creeping into the DJ booth, but does Spotify’s AI DJ offer anything new? Or is it just another form of playlist curation in disguise? - ★★★★☆ Glutton For Punishment review | A gothic fever dream of wrath and revelation
Heartworms crafts a debut of gothic grandeur with Glutton For Punishment, a stunning mix of eerie synths, brooding vocals, and spellbinding post-punk anthems. - James Walsh on 25 years of Starsailor: ‘We met when we were 16, we’ve been through it all together’
Starsailor are celebrating 25 years with a special tour. Frontman James Walsh discusses their journey, the realities of staying in a band, and what’s next. - ‘The music chooses us, we don’t choose it.’ | The Lathums interviewed
As they usher in a bold new era, The Lathums reflect on growth, staying true to their roots, and their highly anticipated third album, Matter Does Not Define.
Keep up to date with the best in UK music by following us on Instagram: @whynowworld and on Twitter/X: @whynowworld
- Bearded Theory
- Festivals
- Iggy Pop
- Leftfield
- Live Music
- Manic Street Preachers
- Mclusky
- Nova Twins
- Public Service Broadcasting
- Swim Deep
- The Sugarhill Gang
