HENLEY Festival is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in style this July.
The black-tie music and arts extravaganza returns to the riverside in Henley-on-Thames from Wednesday, July 6 to Sunday, July 10.
And organisers have promised something for everyone in this year’s packed festival line-up.
Wednesday night’s headline artist on the floating stage is the globally successful Irish pop band The Script. The trio — Danny O’Donoghue, Glen Power and Mark Sheehan — will entertain the Henley crowd with songs from greatest hits album Tales From The Script.
The opening night will be brought to a close by euro-disco phenomenon Boney M, featuring original lead singer Liz Mitchell, performing international chartbusters in the festival club.
On Thursday, Craig David takes top billing. Craig is one of the most successful artists in UK chart history. He will take festival-goers through his R&B, UK garage and soul hits from breakthrough album Born To Do It, released in 2000, to his new album 22, which is due to be released in May.
The legendary Sir Tom Jones returns to the festival on Friday. Sir Tom will captivate the crowd with music from his 41st studio album, the chart-topping Surrounded By Time, as well as iconic songs from his extraordinary career.
Pete Tong headlines on Saturday, when the global dance music legend and broadcaster will transform Henley into a balearic party. Along with The Heritage Orchestra and Jules Buckley, Ibiza Classics features re-workings of popular house music tracks which fuses the electronic and classical styles.
Sunday’s floating stage event promises to be an extraordinary 40th anniversary celebration, featuring an exclusive line-up of special guests which are to be announced soon.
Laughs in the comedy tent will come from established names including Jo Brand, Milton Jones and Russell Kane. The tent will also host plenty of up-and-coming talent such as Jonny Awsum, Maisie Adam and Ivo Graham.
Jazz lovers have plenty to enjoy throughout the five day festival, thanks to a line-up which showcases music from across the jazz, blues, and funk genres. The Spiegel tent will host performances from Kevin Davy, Natty Congeroo & the Flames of Rhythm, Emily Capel, Flashmob Jazz and Gracie & The G-Spots, among others.
World and folk music returns to the Bedouin tent. Expect an eclectic mix of floor-filling Motown, roots, folk and party tunes. UK folk artists including Adam Isaac, Gina Larner and Jai Amore feature alongside bands like Bikini Beach Band, Cahoots and The Fifty Nines.
Food is on the festival menu once more, provided this summer in the riverside restaurant by Dish, offering innovative dishes which use seasonal and local produce. Street food and pop-up bars will also line the riverside.
Hollandridge Group is curating the art and sculpture on display this year. One of the installations for festival-goers to enjoy is Luminosi Trees, a magical forest of art deco trees along the grassy banks of the Thames which will transform into moving patterns of light, synchronised to a soundscape as the sun goes down.
The showground will become a family playground on Sunday. Highlights for youngster include shows from Gizmo’s Marvellous Magic Show, MC Grammar, Comedy Club 4 Kids. There will also be creative workshops galore from the likes of Doodle Jam and Henley Youth Choir.
And of course each evening will close with a spectacular fireworks display by Titanium Fireworks, the team behind some of the UK’s biggest displays of the last decade, including the London 2012 Olympics, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and The Mayor of London New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Tickets will go on sale at end of the month. For more information, henley-festival.co.uk
