HENLEY Festival has announced its star-studded line-up for the UK’s only black-tie festival, which returns this summer, presented by Westcoast.
After celebrating its 40th anniversary last year, the festival has now released the list of who will be performing at the event, set to take place from Wednesday, July 5, to Sunday, July 9.
Rock ‘n’ roll legends Nile Rodgers and Chic will be among the headline acts taking to the Floating Stage, as well as Westlife, Rag’n’Bone Man, Ben Portsmouth, and The Ministry of Sound Classical.
One of last year’s highlights, Boney M, will be returning by popular demand with original lead singer Liz Mitchell and accompaniment from a 15-piece band.
The festival will also feature performances from electro-pop giant Robyn, Charlotte Campbell, Palace Avenue, Robin Porter, TRIONIQ, and The Kanneh-Mason Trio.
Henley Festival also offers a wide array of performances and exhibits including live comedy, art, and sculpture exhibitions across the site.
This year’s comedy offerings include stand-up stalwart Jo Brand, multi-award winning Marcus Brigstocke, TV-regular Chris McCausland, and award-winning writer and former doctor Adam Kay.
This year’s visual arts showcase will feature exhibits from Panter & Hall, Woolff Gallery, Turner Perspective, Maria Morrow, and Morag Caister.
There will also be performances by Stuff & Nonsense, The Extraordinary Gentleman, and MC Grammar.
Henley Festival is bringing back its charitable initiative RISE after last year’s event saw it bringing emerging talent into the spotlight across the festival.
Young musicians and visual artists are showcased at the event alongside a work experience program which supports young people aspiring to work behind the scenes on live events.
One of Reading Today’s highlights from last year, Flo Blue, said that the RISE program “gave her the platform to showcase her music.
She said also that she had already been asked to perform at other events “off the back of Henley Festival.”
The event is the only black-tie festival in the UK and brings together a floating music stage, visual and modern arts exhibitions, world music, jazz and swing, and live comedy, complete with Michelin-starred chefs and food outlets.
It also features a family funday on the last day of the event with a whole host of activities and interactive shows.
Henley Festival also features fireworks displays through its festival-exclusive partnership with Titanium Fireworks, the team behind displays at London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Tickets to the Henley Festival are on sale from Monday, January 23, for patrons, with later priority book ticket releases for friends of the festival.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, February 1.
For full information about ticket releases, or how to become a friend or patron of the festival, visit: www.henley-festival.co.uk
