So Bearded Theory is 4 years old already and hasn’t it grown up quickly! It’s also now at its 3rd different venue with the stately home of Kedleston Hall providing a spectacular backdrop for the 2011 event. In fact the National Trust run property was so posh that we actually had mowed lines in the lawn of the main arena and wished we’d all brought our croquet mallets. As well as the wonderfully lit main stage, there was the familiar Beard Top and Magical Sounds Dance Tent, plus an additional venue this year in the form of the Drop Inn. The line up was very impressive across all three days with headline performances from Athlete, The Waterboys and Alabama 3 and quality acts all the way down the bill.

There was absolutely stacks for the kids to do with zorbing, face painting and Gruffalo hugs aplenty. Lots of varied stalls and plenty of variety in the food outlets too. There was apparently a bit of a mix up in the camping fields which meant vans and tents were all mixed in together but nobody really seemed to mind. Toilets were absolutely spotless throughout. In fact there were only 2 real teething problems with the new site. Firstly the overzealous local council, who insisted stages either closed or quietened down earlier than scheduled. And also the bar which was frankly crap, ran out of beer, insisted punters weren’t allowed to bring in their own drink and then increased their prices. I’m sure Rich and the other organisers are already working hard at sorting these issues out for next year and I’m looking forward to it already.