06 July 2012 (gig)
06 July 2012
What a splendid start to the festival season! The fifth sell-out triumph for the wonderful Bearded Theory and it’s clear why this was achieved. The Midlands largest performing and creative arts festival which is hosted within the stunning national trust grounds of Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, a Neo-classical mansion framed by historic parkland dressed with ancient trees and sheep, just beautiful!
This well thought out family friendly festival really does accommodate children and adults alike. During the daylight hours a superb children’s area with many arts, crafts, workshops and story tellers for the little folk but very entertaining for parents observing and getting involved. We enjoyed sampling the array of high quality mouth-watering food and drink options which were up to a higher standard than the usual festival slop. A force of consideration and creative flare has gone into every aspect of this festival. Tickets are reasonably priced and in this safe and friendly environment it’s impossible not to make festival friends! Very refreshing to see so many clean toilets without the usual horrendous queues. It was rather wet but there was very little mud, hardly any in fact how is this possible?
The resurrected Adam Ant took lead by standing and delivering the headlining slot on the Main stage on Friday night, well received by many drenched but happy, Napoleon look alikes covered in rave paint. Throughout the day and night the dance tent was buzzing in support for Zubzub, System 7, The Ashan Project, The Producer and Banco De Gaia. After hours we enjoyed the quirky tents with quality folk performers be warned hours can be lost dancing and yapping to charming strangers.
On Saturday the weather had improved and Mark Chadwick from the Levellers surprised his loyal Levellers fans by performing a Solo set on behalf of his very missed band. The Dammed headlined the main stage on Saturday and the weather was dry, result!
Sunday hosted the highlight of the weekend, the record breaking and very amusing fancy dress beard competition, beards worn in victory in every array of colours and textures imaginable a true sight for very sore eyes! To end this unforgettable weekend Dreadzone took to the stage and wowed the party people with their funky ragga style tunes. What an superb end to a charming weekend!
Thank you Bearded Theory! We loved what you’ve done!
