DHP Family’s Bearded Theory, together with fellow Catton Park events Bloodstock Festival and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival, are shining a spotlight on the enormous positive impact these long-standing events have on the local economy. A recently commissioned independent survey carried out by Bluegrass Research reveals that these three award-winning festivals contribute over £16 million annually to the regional economy, amounting to £160 million over the next decade.
However, this vital economic contribution is under threat due to ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly the state of the historic Chetwynd Bridge – the primary access route to Catton Park and its surrounding communities. Chetwynd Bridge, a Grade II*-listed structure built in 1824, is no longer able to support the volume of modern traffic it endures today. Due to its historic significance, English Heritage has stated that the council cannot carry out the recommended work needed to make the bridge more structurally sound, resulting in the need to build a new bridge. Width and weight restrictions have already been implemented, causing significant disruption to not only the events, but to local traffic and business, especially farming. Emergency services are also affected, given the width restriction of the Baily Bridge at Walton. Plans for a new alternative bridge (with Chetwynd Bridge preserved for cyclists and pedestrians) have already been discussed, but local authorities say they lack the funds to progress with construction.
“The success of the events at Catton, which bring in a significant amount of money to the local economy, are in a large part, due to the easy access to Catton Park from the A38, which does not disrupt any local villages” said Ollie Neilson, landowner of Catton Estate. “If the Chetwynd Bridge were to close, traffic would be diverted through rural communities in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, causing significant disruption to residents and event attendees alike. The potential economic and community impact of inaction is staggering.”
Bloodstock Festival and Bearded Theory have taken proactive measures to minimise strain on the local infrastructure. Both festivals have extended their arrivals over two days, spreading out traffic to reduce congestion for local residents and alleviate pressure on the ageing bridge and surrounding roads. These changes have been widely praised by the community and have significantly improved traffic flow. While these measures help mitigate immediate issues, the long-term solution lies in building a new bridge that meets the needs of today’s traffic demands.
Bloodstock Festival, Bearded Theory, and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival are jointly urging local authorities, national policymakers, and other stakeholders to prioritise funding for the construction of a new bridge. The festivals collectively highlight how the £16 million annual income they generate every year far exceeds the estimated cost of building a replacement bridge, a project that would pay for itself many times over.
None of the events wish to have to relocate or discontinue, depriving the local area of this crucial income, but fear they may soon be backed into a corner with little choice. When so many independent festivals are closing every year – the latest report from the Association of Independent Festivals detailed 72 closing in the UK in 2024 alone (and a total of 204 since 2019) – factors such as local infrastructure remain critically important to their survival, whilst they face a sea of other challenges.
Bloodstock, Bearded Theory, and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival are committed to ensuring their long-term sustainability while continuing to drive growth and opportunity for the local economy. The festivals are calling on the community to join them, to amplify their voices, and urge policymakers to prioritise this critical infrastructure investment.
