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I can vouch for both Bearded and Gathering. Been to both fairly recently, and they are amazing festivals!

Agreed, nice to not have any clashes though for the headliners. 

Hi Yog.  I would say that Bearded Theory is probably your best option, date wise.  I've not been yet but I know lots of people who love it and I'm planning on going 2027 as it's the Glasto fallow year.   They always have a good mid-level varied line up and next year's looks decent enough.   It's very popular with those who've been and has a good reputation for a community festival vibe.    If you can wait til September to celebrate that 60th, then Mucky Weekender would be the perfect place for a distinguished festival party veteran like yourself! 🙂     

Yup. I mean to be honest, apart from the Sunday night, the headliner choices are a bit dead for me so it's not a harder choice other than that. It's quite. Flat Pyramid trio.

Second the recommendation for Beardy. Also not been, but have friends that love it and keep telling me I should go. Beautiful part of the country as well. I’ll probably go during the 2026 fallow as the timing is too close to Glastonbury for me to be away from the family for both.