With black tie by the River Thames, this is why Henley Festival is a midsummer dream
Image above courtesy of Garry Jones
Set on the banks of the River Thames since 1982, Henley Festival is an unmissable five-day summer celebration of music, art, and culture like no other – and it returns this year from 8th – 12th July. It is the UK’s only black-tie festival, where guests are invited to wear their finest attire, become part of the theatre, and support emerging talent through the Festival’s charitable programme, RISE.
From its iconic Floating Stage to intimate riverside venues, world-class music lies at the heart of Henley Festival, from pop to jazz, to classical and beyond. Guests can enjoy top-tier comedy, fine dining at three restaurants, and gourmet street food to suit every taste. Art comes alive with ten galleries, a dedicated Sculpture Garden, and striking installations across the festival grounds. Not forgetting the roving performers and spectacular fireworks shows, of course!
Headliners on the unique Floating Stage this year include Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, Bjorn Again, Alex James’ Britpop Classical and Bootleg Beatles – plus there is top tier comedy from Alan Davies, Russell Kane, Suzi Ruffell, and Julian Clary.
Kicking off this year’s Henley Festival on the Floating Stage are icons that need little introduction: Boy George & Culture Club. With careers spanning over 40 years, the Grammy Award-winners first shot to international stardom in the 1980s as one of the UK’s biggest exports of the 20th century. Over the next three decades, they simultaneously shifted perception in music, fashion and art. Winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artists, and BRIT Awards for Best British Group and Best British Single, Culture Club became the first group since The Beatles to have three Top 10 hits in America from a debut album, the first group in music history to have an album certified diamond in Canada, and went on to achieve numerous international Top 10 singles including “Karma Chameleon” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” They have sold over 100 million singles and 50 million albums worldwide. Culture Club are without a doubt living legends, with their frontman Boy George recognised as one of the first true, unapologetic innovators in the music and fashion world and irrevocably, of our time.
Just as iconic is the UK’s greatest female rock ‘n’ roll legend, Lulu. Hailing from Glasgow, Lulu’s career has transcended generations with a lifetime of global success, including winning Eurovision, singing a Bond theme, and receiving an OBE. Most recently, Lulu released her candid memoir, completed a sold-out tour, joined Robbie Williams on his stadium tour, and shared the Glastonbury stage with Sir Rod Stewart. Still going strong as a captivating live entertainer, the UK proudly and ferociously heralds Lulu as one of its most precious pop icons. Lulu said of performing: “I can’t wait to perform at Henley Festival in the summer and to give them one hell of a show with all the hits and a few surprises!”
Each iconic evening at Henley Festival is brought to a dazzling conclusion with spectacular firework displays exclusively designed by the industry leading pyrotechnic professionals at Titanium Fireworks. As the team behind some of the UK’s biggest firework shows in the last decade, their extraordinary brand of sparkle is the perfect partner for the magical and unforgettable memories made by the Henley riverside.
For more information and to book tickets for this year’s Henley Festival, go to: www.henley-festival.co.uk.
