Henley Festival, presented by Hemani, returned to the beautiful banks of Henley-on-Thames last week for five glorious, summer evenings of world-class music, art, comedy, dancing, dining and fireworks.
More than 25,000 guests joined the spectacle by showing off their best heatwave style at the UK’s only black-tie music and arts Festival.
Over these five magical nights on the Thames riverside, festival goers flocked to the Floating Stage to see this year’s iconic headliners – Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu (pictured), Björn Again, Alex James’ Britpop Classical, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with special guest Laura Mvula and Bootleg Beatles – before partying into the early hours at Pure Heaven with Ezra Collective and Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems.
At a time when creative industries are becoming more difficult to access, the Festival is proud to shine a light on the next generation of talent on this unique platform.
As a charity, Henley Festival launched its RISE initiative in 2022 to continue this mission, providing a crucial space for emerging musicians and visual artists, alongside young people aspiring to work behind the scenes.
The up-and-coming stars who took to the Audi Presents RISE Music Stage included Emily Wishart, Llinos Emanuel, The Public Eye, Josephine Shaw, Emre, 3 Days of Wonder, Charlotte Campbell, Tony Mac, Bruna Garcia, Natalie McCool, Black Gloss Wardrobe, Jack Browett and winner of the inaugural Audi Presents RISE Music Award, Adjua.
The Festival also champions new visual artists; Niah McGiff was awarded the RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize which, now in its second year, recognises outstanding artists in the early stages of their careers, offering a financial prize and the opportunity to exhibit in the Festival’s RISE Gallery.
Against the backdrop of the riverside, further artworks, installations and sculptures adorned the Galleries and Sculpture Garden as part of the Festival’s pioneering visual art showcase, featuring celebrated artists such as Saz Chamberlain, Anne Curry and Ben Poole-Phillips.
Further highlights from this year’s festival included a comedy line-up featuring Alan Davies, Shappi Khorsandi, Russell Kane, Geoff Norcott, Suzi Ruffell and Julian Clary, and there was something on offer for every musical taste: from the Festival’s very own jazz club with performances from the likes of Flash Mob Jazz and The Mulberry Earls; to world and folk in the bohemian Bedouin Tent, including brilliant performances from returning RISE musicians, KATYA, Leila McKenzie and Alex Francis.
On Sunday, the Festival welcomed families for the much-loved Playdate @ Henley Festival, with fun for every age and stage including Gem’s Pirate Party from CBeebies Swashbuckle, Exciting Science and an appearance from MC Grammar alongside circus skills workshops, interactive craft activities and face-painting for all.
Local, young musicians and aspiring artists showcased their talents through the Early RISErs programme and the inaugural Early RISErs Young Artist Prize.
Each night, festival goers were treated to Henley Festival’s much-loved fireworks display by Titanium Fireworks, a fittingly showstopping way to top off each evening of dazzling entertainment.
Henley Festival will return between July 7 and July 11 in 2027.
