By Donna Richardson
“These are days that I will remember, ” Jamie Cullum sang soulfully and as I gazed out onto the flotilla of yachts and elegantly attired guests, as the sun set. I had to agree.
Certainly, Henley’s Black Tie Festival is one of the most memorable occasions I have ever attended. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the shimmering river, this event is a breathtaking celebration that harmoniously intertwines elegance with art, music, and an exquisite culinary experience. We found ourselves immersed in the opulent summer of “The Great Gatsby,” days where people dressed up and celebrated and where the effervescent spirit of the 1920s comes alive in every detail. I loved it all.
Attendees arrive in attire that dazzles – ladies draped in breathtaking cocktail and ball gowns that ripple like silk in the evening breeze, and gentlemen clad in impeccably tailored tuxedos and stylish bow ties. As the world’s sole black-tie festival, it stands out as an extraordinary affair, where the riverside sparkles with the radiant glow of jewel-adorned women, debonair men, and luxurious yachts gliding gracefully through the water, creating an unforgettable tapestry of glamour.
Upon our arrival, we were embraced by a warm champagne reception, where glasses clinked in celebration, before we strolled to the enchanting Bedouin tent. There, we indulged in refreshing Pimm’s and delightful slices of pizza, listening to the soulful voice of Kavella, savouring every moment before settling into our seats at the floating stage for an evening rich with entertainment.
Sunday night unfolded with the mesmerising voice of Matteo Bocelli, the dashing son of the legendary Andrea Bocelli. With every note, Matteo entranced the audience with his remarkable and emotive tenor voice, weaving a spell that drew everyone in. He elegantly traverses the line between classical and pop music, and his performance resonated deeply, compelling the audience to dance and sing along, thus cementing his place as a remarkable talent in his own right. He sang in both English and Italian, with hits like ‘You’re Just Too Good to be True’ and Ed Sheeran’s Perfect.
Jamie Cullum took the stage with an electrifying jazz performance that was nothing short of spellbinding. Dressed impeccably in a tailored white suit complemented by a sleek black tie, he captured the essence of showmanship while channelling the flamboyant style of Elton John on the piano. His fingers danced across the ivory keys with effortless precision as he tapped his foot rhythmically, sharing his pure joy with us all.
At one unforgettable moment during the set, he leapt into the crowd, breaking the barrier between performer and audience and creating an exhilarating atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. He treated the audience to a dynamic array of hits, including the playful tune “It’s Cool to Be a Cat,” which had everyone singing along.
With each note, he captivated the audience, who were drawn into his world of music, laughter, and genuine connection. When he ventured closer to the crowd, fist-bumping fans and reaching out to touch hands, the shared experience became deeply personal. In that moment, surrounded by the infectious energy and enthusiasm of both Jamie and the audience, I found myself completely enchanted and emotionally moved by the magic of live performance.
As the evening came to a close, Jamie still brimmed with energy, jumping up and down and encouraging the refined crowd to join in. During an encore, he even composed a song on the spot, humorously remarking, “I think this may be the poshest festival I have ever seen. I’m surprised they even let me in.” It was a phenomenal experience.
The evening concluded with the mesmerising Titanium fireworks, transforming the sky into a breathtaking spectacle synchronised with music. This exceptional team is renowned for orchestrating the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks in London, the vibrant Hogmanay celebrations, and Adele’s unforgettable finale at Wembley Stadium.
From our premium front grandstand seats, we savoured exquisite champagne. We had the pleasure of being joined by Roger Smee, the esteemed former Chairman of Reading Football Club, along with his son-in-law, Mark Cosgrove Smith, who was accompanied by his wife, Leonora. The gentlemen graciously offered us a toast, enhancing the camaraderie of the evening.
We also connected with remarkable friends throughout the night, including a talented gardener responsible for the stunning grounds of Clivedon House, famously linked to the intriguing Profumo Affair and his wife, who looked like she had stepped out of The Great Gatsby. It was truly a memorable night filled with enchantment and delightful company.
Earlier in the evening, Alistair McGowan entertained guests at the Paradiso tent, and revellers enjoyed picnics on the riverbank provided by Pavilion Foods and fine dining restaurants while they watched the action. Our seats in G block were just perfect with an unobstructed view.
This was the final day of a four-day event that was initiated by none other than the iconic diva, Diana Ross, whose electrifying performance set the tone for an unforgettable festival. Over the following days, music lovers were treated to a diverse array of acts, including the lively pop-rock sensations McFly, the timeless hitmaker Rick Astley, and the vibrant sounds of Hacienda, a staple of the Manchester music scene. However, in my opinion, the true highlights were the breathtaking performances by the renowned tenor Matteo Bocelli and the exceptionally talented Jamie Cullum.
As we made our way out, we encountered joyful revellers indulging in the thrilling fairground rides and immersing themselves in the Paradiso tent, where Yolanda Brown captivated the audience with The Bob Marley Songbook.
Earlier on Sunday, a children’s festival filled with a variety of activities and entertainment took place, and our daughter thoroughly enjoyed it. From face painting to interactive games, it was a joyful experience for all the kids, leading nicely into the evening celebrations.
In retrospect, the Henley Black Tie Festival is one of the most profoundly emotional and awe-inspiring experiences I have ever had. As the sun gracefully set, casting a golden hue over the glimmering yachts, I was genuinely moved to tears by Bocelli’s soul-stirring rendition of his most beloved songs. I left energised after Jamie Callum’s electrifying set.
This magical experience will remain etched in my memory forever, and the lyrics to “These are the days I will remember, ran around my mind as I shared the experience with my late mum’s friend. I couldn’t help but shed a few tears at the beauty of the evening and wished she had been able to see it with me, but I knew she was with us in spirit.
