DON’T MISS

BEARDED THEORY SPRING GATHERING Catton Park, Derbyshire, May 24-27

HAVING previously taken the title of UK’s best family festival, the Bearded Theory Spring Gathering is back. Taking place in South Derbyshire, it’s a short trip for those of us in the East Midlands.

What is Bearded Theory?

It started in 2007 as a birthday celebration but has grown from into a fully-fledged festival.

When is it?

This year it takes place during the spring bank holiday weekend from Thursday May 24 to Sunday May 27.

Where is it?

The festival takes place in Catton Park, Walton upon Trent, Derbyshire, DE12 8LN. It is between Derby and Lichfield on the Staffordshire/ Derbyshire border.

What acts are playing? The festival has an eclectic range of acts performing over various stages. These include Blossoms, Robert Plant (pictured), Sleaford Mods, Jimmy Cliff and Reverend and the Makers, among others. The festival prides itself for booking acts based on attendees’ feedback. How do I get there?

There is a car park at the festival. You buy a ticket in advance or on the day which you display in the window. Why not car share to help make the festival as green as possible? The organisers have also teamed up with National Express so coach travel is available from Nottingham as well as Derby, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, Gloucester, Worcester, London, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Leicester, all at varying different prices. These leave on the Thursday and return on the Monday.

What makes it different from other festivals?

Bearded Theory allows revellers to bring in their own alcohol to the campsite and arena, but the festival also prides itself in being a family event. Family camping passes are available which allow access to the family camping area and there is also a children’s school which follows the national curriculum.

How much are tickets?

The adult weekend early bird tickets have already sold out, but the adult weekend camping tickets are still on sale costing £120.75. Teen tickets for those aged 12-15 cost £57.75, and child tickets (ages six-11) cost £29.40 and toddlers get in for free. There is also a pay in instalments plan for teen and adult tickets. For more information about the festival, including full line-up, visit the website at: beardedtheory.co.uk