REVIEW: Bearded Theory Friday 22.6.26

Set amongst the bounteous Derbyshire hills, Bearded Theory festival has enjoyed a long and thriving history making the Friday nights festivities something to whet the appetite for the rest of the weekends party.

The entire weekend saw heavyweight acts such as A Certain Ratio, EMF, Pixies, The Wedding Present and Garbage all executing their sharpened chops for all to behold, however Fridays acts lifted off with Panic Shack executing some Elastica vibes on the main Pallet stage, that was preceded by Pop Will Eat Itself chanting about Big Macs in The Meadow tent.

In The Coda tent Happy Mondays very own Bez delivered a chaotic DJ with him giving karaoke vibes to blur Parklife and Oasis Supersonic, all in attendance firmly become intertwined under his hypotic spell. Back over on The Pallet stage Captain Sensible and David Vanian keep the punk flame firmly alive with their brash run throughs of Eloise, White Rabbit and Smash It Up.

Headliners Skunk Anansie run through a heavy set of the familiar, unfamiliar and well loved, up front Skin is a force of nature, not only with her stunning vocals but also delivering a political commentary with all the right reasons covered. An Artist is an Artist, Because Of You and Shame would favour the band in an appearance at Download Festival, whilst some of the band show piece tunes Hedonism and Weak hark back to the heady heights of Top Of The Pops appearances beaming into every home of the nation. A most fitting way to conclude a night full of weighty treats, a fabulous festival for all to enjoy.

Bearded Theory can be found here