Bearded Theory Festival organisers are excited today to share their second selection of artists to be added to the bill for 2026!
Joining the line up are 90s alternative heavyweights GARBAGE, pioneering British punks THE DAMNED, respected troubadour KAE TEMPEST, empowering indie-pop artist KATE NASH, Mercury-Prize winner BADLY DRAWN BOY, intelligently humorous Irish songwriter CMAT, powerpop rock n rollers BAD NERVES, Scottish indie rockers IDLEWILD, Hastings beat-punks KID KAPICHI, immersive indie rock quad NEWDAD, dancefloor fillers EMF, brother and sister pair rock band THE MAGIC NUMBERS, and so many more.
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Bearded Theory takes great pride in supporting emerging artists, and the festival’s independent ethos paired with a strong commitment to championing new music alongside iconic household names, all without corporate sponsorship, ensure the event remains a true alternative offer to the mainstream. This year, they welcome 90s tinged up-and-comers WESTSIDE COWBOY, nu-metal rapper NATIVE JAMES, Irish dream-poppers SHE’S IN PARTIES, UK punk collective JOOLS, melancholic heavy shoegazers THISTLE., Boygenius-endorsed songstress JASMINE.4.T, gritty spoken-word duo GOOD HEALTH GOOD WEALTH, amongst others.
Previously announced genre-spanning names include alt-rock legends Pixies in celebration of their 40th anniversary as a band, and genre-blending trailblazers SKUNK ANANSIE. Additional exciting acts include BIG SPECIAL, FAT DOG, FEROCIOUS DOG, GETDOWN SERVICES, LAMBRINI GIRLS, PANIC SHACK, PETER HOOK AND THE LIGHT (formerly of the influential post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order), REVEREND AND THE MAKERS, SPRINTS, HEARTWORMS, POP WILL EAT ITSELF, VENUS GRRRLS, THE WEDDING PRESENT, GOLDIE, NEVILLE STAPLE (THE SPECIALS), STEWART LEE, UTAH SAINTS, LEEROY THORNHILL (ex-The Prodigy), PHIL HARTNOLL (Orbital), BEZ (Happy Mondays), TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS FT. LEBA HIBBERT, GRAEME PARK, BEANS ON TOAST and more.
Bearded Theory’s wondrously compact site punches well above its weight, with eight unique stages and areas bursting with music, dancing, and unfiltered joy. While the Pallet and Meadow stages deliver the biggest moments of the weekend, the Woodland stage offers a spellbinding, intimate escape – a hidden glade of unplugged sessions, raucous singalongs, and unforgettable late-night memories in the tree canopied silent disco. For those who wish to rave into the early hours, Big Ed and CODA return as the home for all things dance-oriented. Returning to the festival after its introduction at the last event is The Knockerdown – by day, an arts and Q&A hub, and by night, a raucous karaoke hotspot. Elsewhere, Convoy Cabaret, Maui Waui and Something Else Tea Tent provide a huge array of weird and wonderful, peaceful and powerful alternatives with a world of underground talent.
Dedicated wellness and crafting sector, EARTH promises a sanctuary of serenity and creativity at Bearded Theory. Here, festival goers can unwind and recharge weary limbs between sets. EARTH blossoms with eco-conscious, hands-on creativity, from pottery painting to basket weaving and immersive workshops, making it a haven of calm.
If you are looking for a place to stay for Bearded Theory Festival 2026 then check out our interactive accommodation map below. Just add in the dates you want to stay and the venue and you will be able to see what’s available nearby!
If you also need to find a flight to get you there, try our flight search feature below! Simply add in your home and destination city, select the dates you want to travel and search away!
