Experience the elegance of the Henley Festival, the UK’s only black-tie event of its kind, from 9 to 13 July. Held in the prestigious riverside town of Henley on Thames, home of the Regatta, it fuses the worlds of pop, world, classical, folk, and jazz, along with comedy acts, art galleries, sculpture installations, gourmet dining, and stunning fireworks beside the beautiful Thames.
This year’s event is to be opened by the legendary Diana Ross ‘A Symphonic Celebration’, performed with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Also headlining are McFly, Jamie Cullum, Haçienda Classical, Jo Whiley’s Festival Anthems, Yolanda Brown: Bob Marley Songbook and Ellie Sax, Rick Astley and Matteo Bocelli.
There will also be comedy from Ed Byrne, Ivo Graham, Matt Forde, Rob Auton and Alistair McGowan, and a Family Day ‘Playdate’ to entertain little ones.
Founded over 40 years ago, Henley Festival aims to support new talent. This year’s RISE line-up will once again provide a platform for young musicians, comedians, and visual artists, while also offering opportunities for those aspiring to work behind the scenes.
Henley Festival also supports the next generation of talent through its RISE programme, which provides a unique platform for emerging musicians and visual artists and offers opportunities for young people aspiring to work behind the scenes.
Jo Bausor, CEO of Henley Festival, said: “It’s an honour to continue our RISE programme into yet another year, supporting young and emerging artists by offering paid opportunities to perform, exhibit or complete work placements. It’s at the core of everything we do as a festival, and there is no greater privilege than helping these incredible young artists and students kickstart their careers in roles across the cultural spectrum.”
Henley Festival is also thrilled to present the second ever Westcoast RISING Star Award – celebrating outstanding achievement and great potential – to Manchester-based singer-songwriter Hetta Falzon.
Hetta draws on jazz, pop, and classical influences to inspire a unique melodic style, driven by a desire to move people. “I feel so honoured to have won this award and so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful event and community with RISE,” she said. “I am so excited to share the stage with so much other talent and feel so lucky to be a small part of something so great!”
HENLEY FESTIVAL 2025: FULL LINE-UP
The Floating Stage will host an incredible lineup in 2025, beginning with Diana Ross ‘A Symphonic Celebration’, performed with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
On Thursday, beloved band McFly will take to The Floating Stage, playing hits from their breakthrough single to their latest album. Rick Astley will bring his iconic 80s hits along with his recent chart successes.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Jo Whiley will keep the late-night party going with festival anthems
The musical experience continues with Haçienda Classical on Saturday night, combining classic dance tracks with orchestral power.
The globally acclaimed Matteo Bocelli and singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum will follow on the final night, promising to close the festival with unforgettable performances.
Henley Festival will also bring world-class comedians to the Thames riverside, opening on Wednesday night with a performance by acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe comedian Ivo Graham, and Ed Byrne a regular panellist on Mock the Week and Have I Got News For You, before political comedian and satirist Matt Forde appears on Friday, whose impressive CV includes lead writer and voice in the revived Spitting Image.
On Saturday, Henley Festival will welcome Rob Auton to the Paradiso, known for his whimsical yet profound observations on life, existence and the human experience, before Alistair McGowan, the multi-award-winning master of mimicry, rounds off the Festival on Sunday.
The Salon Quarter will host an outdoor cabaret with DJs before and after the floating stage concert. Guests can enjoy food and cocktails while experiencing a diverse music and street theatre.
Henley’s very own jazz club in the Paradiso opens its doors on Wednesday with a glittering performance from Northern Irish Jazz singer Megan McConnell, who mixes classic swingwith contemporary favourites – all with her own vintage twist.
On Friday, Natty Congeroo & the Flames of Rhythm deliver an explosive, high-energy performance of Hot Jazz, Swing, Rhythm ’n’ Blues and Gospel numbers from the 1930s and 40s.
The six-piece band Jazz & The Tonics will perform on Saturday evening of the festival. They will play jazz standards, swing classics, and Postmodern Jukebox Covers in a live show that will take listeners on a musical journey from start to finish.
The Bedoin tent features Wonder 45, The Dominos, Luisa Santiago, and BB3 as well as Andres Cruz, The Revue, Tor Hills and the Datura Roots Collective, Kavalla and No Limit Street Band.
Henley Festival also brings fine art, ceramics, sculptures, photography, prints and paintings to festival-goers, with Haut de Gamme, The Barker Gallery, Circus Gallery, Hypergallery, The Drang Gallery, Rock Legends Live and world-renowned artists including Harriet Gosling, Catriona Wood and James Marshall.
There’s also a festival for food lovers with a raft of pop-up bars and restaurants lining the riverbank. ‘Dish’ will return to the Riverside Restaurant for a fine dining experience, and ‘Caper and Berry’ will be back at the Terrace Restaurant.
Henley Festival is a family-friendly event. On Sunday, there will be a Playdate at Henley Festival by the riverside, with activities and performances for children of all ages.
Each iconic evening at the Henley Festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display by Titanium Fireworks.
Don’t miss this extraordinary blend of talent, creativity, and celebration at the Henley Festival this summer.
For tickets and to book, visit www.henley-festival.co.uk
