Preview – Henley Festival 2026
Summer in Britain abounds with arts, literary and music festivals, of which the Henley is amongst the best known. It has been going since 1982, and is a sort of continuation of Henley Royal Regatta, which is always held the week before. Thus, not only is the festival able to make use of the riverside facilities assembled for the rowing event, but it is also extends the stylish atmosphere of this quintessentially English summer event – attendees exchanging their stripy blazers and boaters for dinner jackets and black ties.
The festival, presented by Hemani, is a five day celebration of music, art and culture like no other. Set on the banks of the River Thames, 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. Launched in 2022, RISE champions the next generation of creatives who bring festivals to life. From musicians and visual artists to future backstage professionals, RISE provides paid opportunities to learn, perform, and gain real industry experience. With a dedicated Emerging Talent Stage and RISE Gallery, guests can discover the stars of tomorrow.
This year’s festival runs from the 8th to the 12th of July, and while its ‘classical’ roots these days are only slightly represented, the line-up of performers from the worlds of pop, jazz, world music and folk is impressive.
Kicking off this year, on the Floating Stage, are icons that need little introduction: Boy George & Culture Club. As the sun sets on Wednesday evening, trailblazing London jazz band Ezra Collective perform at Pure Heaven (the Festival Club). On Thursday, pop brilliance Sugababes take to the Floating Stage.
The queen of festivals and the 90s, Jo Whiley, returns to Pure Heaven on Thursday night. The ultimate authority on British music – and the voice and face of a generation – presents a dazzling new show as she rummages through her record bag to dig out the very best of 90s Anthems, and bringing the Friday feels to Henley Festival, is the UK’s greatest female rock and roll legend: Lulu. Ending the night of stellar performances on the Floating Stage is the original Australian ABBA homage, Björn Again.
On Saturday, Blur’s Alex James brings the unforgettable anthems of the 90’s to Henley Festival with Alex James’ Britpop Classical, fusing the raw energy of the era’s biggest hits with the breathtaking power of a full Orchestra. Special guest performances from Phil Daniels, Saffron (Republica) and Gary Stringer (Reef) all feature.
Rounding out the Festival is the ultimate ode to The Beatles, Bootleg Beatles. Formed in 1980 from the West End cast of Broadway hit musical ‘Beatlemania’, the Bootleg Beatles were at the very origins of the tribute band scene.
The festival’s ‘Emerging Talent’ artists are represented by Llinos Emanuel, The Public Eye, Emre, 3 Days of Wonder, Charlotte Campbell, Tony Mac, Bruna Garcia, Natalie McCool, Adjua, Black Gloss Wardrobe, and Jack Browett.
Jazz, swing and classical performances all take place at The Paradiso, and include items from The Mulberry Earls, Saint Six, Brad Kella and Acantha Lang.
In the Bedouin Tent, world music is represented by Darwin & The Finches, JG Collective and St Catherine’s Child among others.
Those interested in the visual arts may wish to take a tour of the festival’s galleries and sculpture garden.
The festival is sponsored by Hemani, a Berkshire-based company with a mission to empower innovation by investing in pioneering technologies shaping the future, were recently announced as Henley Festival’s new headline sponsor. Their support also ensures that the RISE charitable programme continues to nurture the next generation of talent.
• Further details can be found on the festival’s website.
• Tickets for patrons & friends will be on sale from Monday 16 February and for the general public on Thursday 26 February here.
