Bearded Theory names Public Enemy and Frank Turner for 2027
Public Enemy and Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls are among the first acts announced for Bearded Theory at Catton Park in England on 26–30 May 2027. The festival’s programme also includes electronic music, acoustic performances, arts workshops and the return of a free school for children across several age groups.
Arts··Night
The first artists are named for Catton Park
Bearded Theory, the English music festival held at Catton Park in Derbyshire, has announced its first artists for 2027. Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls and The Interrupters are among the acts in the opening wave of the programme.[1], [2]
The event is scheduled for 26–30 May 2027 and marks the festival’s 18th anniversary. Hip-hop group Public Enemy is among the principal names, while Turner’s appearance is billed as a UK festival exclusive. Super Furry Animals, Hot Chip and Bob Vylan also appear in the selection. Westside Cowboy returns for a second consecutive year, joining a list that includes Lime Garden, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Black Flag and The Lovely Eggs.[1]
Stages divide the daytime and night programme
The largest performances take place on the Pallet and Meadow stages. Woodland, set among trees, offers acoustic music in daytime and silent discos after dark. Electronic music has dedicated space at Big Ed and CODA. BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins returns for a DJ set, and the wider programme includes Goldie, Orbital member Phil Hartnoll, Utah Saints and former Prodigy member Leeroy Thornhill.[1]
The Knockerdown tent hosts arts events, discussions and question-and-answer sessions during the day before changing to karaoke at night. Other spaces include Convoy Cabaret, Busk Top, Maui Waui and the Something Else Tea Tent. The opening list also names Cowboy Hunters, ALT BLK ERA and Anna Erhard among the artists joining the festival’s spread of live performances.[1]
Workshops and the children’s school return
The festival’s EARTH area offers activities including pottery painting and basket weaving. Its free Festival School will also return, catering for children from preschool through Year 10. Subjects range from mathematics to DJing, providing an education programme alongside the concerts and other arts activities on the site. The school and workshops sit within the same announced festival programme as the music stages, cabaret spaces and daytime discussions.[1]
