Bearded Theory festival-goers asked to delay arrival due to rain

BBC Bearded Theory festivalBBC
The sun was shining at Bearded Theory festival in 2022

Music fans have been asked to delay arriving at a festival until Friday due to heavy rain.

Bearded Theory festival, at Catton Hall, on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, is taking place from Wednesday until Sunday, with most acts performing Friday to Sunday.

There are fewer entrances open to the site on Thursday due to wet conditions, and organisers expect long queues.

A spokesperson said safety was their number one priority.

An announcement on the festival's Facebook page said the team was putting extra measures in place to make sure everyone gets on site safely.

Bearded Theory festival
Persistent heavy rain on Tuesday night and Wednesday have caused wet conditions at the festival, organisers said

The statement said: "Conditions are expected to be drier from Thursday onwards, with the weather improving throughout the weekend."

They added the site had "great drainage" but the coming hours would be a challenge for "for our amazing site crew".

"Unfortunately, as things are, there will be reduced entry points on site Thursday, and we expect very long queues to access the festival," they said.

"Making sure everyone gets on site safety is our number one priority. Therefore, it would be really helpful if a lot of you could wait until Friday before coming.

"For those still planning to arrive on Thursday, please be prepared for long delays."

The organisers told festival-goers not to try to beat the rush and arrive earlier than planned, as it will "most likely only add to your journey time".

They also asked people to be kind and respectful to marshals, and take all the advice given "so we can ensure everyone has a brilliant time safely".

The festival has been held for 15 years, with this year's line-up including Jane's Addiction, Orbital, Dinosaur Jr and Future Islands.

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