Wind Can’t Ruffle Bearded Theory

Freak winds that sent portable toilets spinning through the air and injured three people when part of a stage collapsed weren’t enough to stop Derbyshire’s Bearded Theory festival.

“We are very happy that we’re going ahead,” said festival spokeswoman Helen Hat May 17, the morning after winds lifted part of the roof off the stage at the 2,500-capacity Bradley Nook Farm Estate at Hulland Ward, near Ashbourne.

“There was great concern last night but now the mood is fairly buoyant,” she said.

The three injured people – who suffered neck, back and shoulder injuries – and another person with a suspected broken wrist were hospitalised. Some were also treated for shock. The Health & Safety Executive has opened a preliminary inquiry.

The stage was closed and made safe following the accident. Two other stages remained open.

“It’d been raining and windy all day but this was a freak gust of wind that was capable of knocking people over,” site manager Sally Booth told BBC News.

A Derbyshire Police spokesman said the collapse happened at about 8 p.m. and reports indicated strong winds lifted part of the roof off the stage.

Neville Staples, Hawkwind and The Saw Doctors were among the acts at this year’s festival.