The UK's only black-tie festival - Henley Festival  has announced its line up for this years festival.  Once again the festivals line up includes a selection of Michelin starred food, award winning comedians, Turner Prize nominated artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music.

The Floating Stage will play host to  Rita Ora, Grace Jones, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Curtis Stigers and the Ronnie Scotts Big Band Present 'Sinatra At The Sands',

The festival will close in true style on the Sunday night with one of the UK’s foremost opera companies the English National Opera performing with soloists, full orchestra and chorus and under the baton of ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins. Their repertoire is taken from many of the greatest operas including Carmen, The Marriage of Figaro, Madam Butterfly, Turandot and La Traviata as well as a little Gilbert & Sullivan to top the night off.

In addition to the Floating Stage you can hear some great artists performing in the Bedouin Tent including world music from The Coute Diomboulou Band, Son Yambu, The Bikini Beach Band, and Trovador. The Bedouin Tent also plays host to some great folk acts including The Coal Porters, Megan Henwood, Maz O'Connor, Solasta, and Le Bistrotet.  

The Jazz Club will play host to  Ray Gelato and the Giants, Purdy, The Staks Band, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, and Miss Kiddy and The Cads.  BBC Introducing will also be at Henley with performances by Pearl, TN, Lorne, Alex Green, Cecil, and WolfNote.

The Comedy line up includes: Paul Merton, Lee Nelson, Lucy Porter, Mark Watson, Dominic Holland, The Great British Take Off (Jon Culshaw & Bill Dare), Suzi Ruffell, Pierre Novellie, Rhys James, Flo & Joan, Alfie Brown, and Adam Rowe, plus cabaret from Tina C, and Vellma Celli.

Once again foodies are in for a treat which this year includes, Michelin starred chef Angela Hartnett MBE will be taking the reins of Europe’s biggest field restaurant, creating a bespoke menu exclusively for Henley, 

Angela Hartnett said

“I am absolutely delighted to be working closely with the Henley Festival for the first time and to serve the food that I love at such a great and iconic event.”

Other restaurant’s popping up at the festival will include Crooked Billet, The Spice Merchant, and Brasserie @ Jazz Club in the Speigltent, alongside street food from BBQ club, Snob Lobster, Jessecco Prosecco, Pizza Express and Audacious Crispy Squid, and champagne and cocktails from Moët Champagne Bar, Black Cab Coffee & Cocktails, Hotel du Vin and many more.

And while the festival is an adult only event, Sunday daytime sees the festival turned into a huge playground for families and kids of all ages, with activities and entertainers, who captivate and enchant. 2018’s Family Sunday offers balloon making, glitter tattoos, music lessons, comedy for kids, toddler disco, choir performances as well as fantastic entertainment from TV favourites Mr Bloom, Mr Danger, and Fun & Gamz.

Henley Festival is topped off each night by a jaw dropping overhead firework display. In 2018 the fireworks display will be designed by Titanium Fireworks, the team who have put on some of the UK’s biggest firework shows in the last decade including the 2012 London Olympics.

Ticket Information

Full programme announcement and tickets on sale Monday 5th February 2018