Well, blow me down! Rich Bryan on the return of Bearded Theory

'Don't forget a beard, a tent and a razor!'

It is an often overused cliché to say that something “blew you away” but at last year's Bearded Theory festival in Derbyshire, that was literally the case as a freak tornado struck, wiping out the main stage. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt and festival organiser Rich Bryan is now looking forward to a successful return for the beard-themed celebration as it enters its third year.  

“The main reaction from all the team was to ensure everyone was safe and thankfully they were and our emergency plan worked impeccably,” says Rich as he recalls last year's incident, “We have planned and investigated into the incident at huge expense but I think what occurred was pretty much unstoppable.”

The festival's origins hark back to 2008 when 400 people congregated in a field next to a pub to dance while wearing silly beards for charity. Last year saw the festival's capacity sky-rocket up to around 2300 and a similar number is expected to be in attendance again this time round. New additions to the entertainment on offer this year include a chill out tent, a large indoor band stage, an improved dance tent and even more site art.  

Rich is confident that this year's event will be a success despite the difficulties of coping with the recession and the festival market place being crowded, “We have increased our marketing budget massively and it seems to be working as we are close to selling out,” he says.

So what does the festival chief think the festival's greatest successes are? “Selling out every year and constantly putting on value-for-money festivals. We are nearly half the price of most other festivals with a similar line-up and we remain as a non-profit enterprise.

“We have not successfully put a festival on at this size due to the incident that happened last year, so if 2010 operates successfully that would be a dream come true.”

With five stages, Bearded Theory boasts an incredibly strong line-up with New Model Army, The King Blues, The Wonder Stuff and Bearded regulars Dreadzone heading up the main stage.

It is something Rich is incredibly proud of, describing the bill as, “The best we have ever produced. The line-up works well together and a lot of the bands have headlined other, much larger festivals. We remain good value despite our price increase and that was our intention.”

This year's musical programme is now complete, but the organiser is already looking forward to the future, “We are full for 2010 but we have around 20 in next year’s wishlist from acts we haven’t been able to persuade with the beans and cabbage we offered.”

The input of festival-goers into the deciding line-up is a very important factor for the Derbyshire event. What changes and ideas have they asked for that have gone into the festival? “Loads, the line-up this year is basically from what has been requested off the festivals followers,” says Rich, “that way everyone gets what they want and it makes life easier for us as we just work from the list they create.
 
“In addition to the line-up we have put two more bars into the festival, different food vendors, brought in a chill out tent, put the second stage in a huge marquee, sourced more undercover areas on site, brought in a festival shop and this has all been off the suggestions from the people that attended last year.”

If the quality of the bands on display was not enough, Bearded Theory are also trying to get the world record for the most people wearing a beard and are asking people to be as creative as possible with their fancy dress. Rich, however, isn’t ready to reveal what he’s plucked from the dressing up box admitting, “It's still work in progress at the moment.”

The organiser’s garb is just one of the unannounced treats in store once the festival gets under way. “We have a surprise act on the Saturday who are the reason why Bearded Theory started,” says Rich, “and we have loads of bits and bobs happening all over the place.

“We will be kicking the 2010 festival season off in our own hairy way, so step out of the mayhem and into the madness.”

That’s settled then, but what three essentials should ticket-holders not forget? “A beard, a tent and a razor.”
 
Bearded Theory 2010 takes place from 14-15 May at Bradley Nook Farm Estate near Ashbourne in Derbyshire.

Bearded Theory ticket are on sale now with adult tickets priced at £65, under 16s at £15, under 12s at £10 and under 5s are allowed in free. Family passes (two adults and two children) are also available for £140.

Click here to buy Bearded Theory tickets.

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