The UK’s most glamorous festival is back now that restrictions have finally been lifted. Henley Festival 2021 returns from 15th – 19th September to its spectacular setting on the riverbank in Henley-on-Thames with its full black-tie splendour.
Iconic British pop band Madness will open the festival on the Floating Stage on Wednesday night performing much-loved classics including House of Fun, Baggy Trousers and It Must Be Love alongside new songs from their first album in five years The Bullingdon Boys.
On Thursday night, multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter James Blunt will headline the Floating Stage. On Friday night, British singer-songwriter sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor will take to the floating stage. Bringing a vibrant mixture of mainstream pop, disco, nu-disco and 1980s electronic sounds to Henley, Ellis Bextor’s headline show is bound to have the whole festival dancing the night away!
Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be followed by Sara Cox presents: Just Can’t Get Enough 80s. Dance the night away to classic tunes from the TV and radio broadcast legend!
Lovers of Disco are in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat on Saturday night, as a collection of the world’s most iconic dancefloor hits are reimagined, reinvented and brought to the floating stage by a full 36 piece orchestra, live band, singers and dancers for an amazing performance of Disco Classical, along with legendary Special Guest, Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge. Formed in 1971, Sister Sledge achieved international success at the height of the disco era and Kathy Sledge will perform as part of Disco Classical, some of their most loved tracks including hits from their breakthrough album We Are Family, and will include the top ten singles He’s the Greatest Dancer and We Are Family, the latter earning a Grammy Award nomination. Disco Classical and Kathy Sledge will create one of the most memorable and uplifting live music experiences around, filled with captivating light displays it’s the perfect uplifting party show!
On Sunday 19th September, the unforgettable new Don’t Stop Me Now presents a magical evening of Queen, Abba and the Bee Gees in a rock and symphonic spectacular celebrating their greatest hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, Staying Alive, Mama Mia and many more. Featuring a quartet of rock vocalists – all stars of recent West End hits – full rock band and the outstanding 52-piece English National Orchestra, the full symphonic arrangements are blended with a great rock band and top international singers performing all your favourite numbers.
Alongside these headliners, festival-goers are in for a treat with Henley Festival’s epic line-up of award-winning comedy, critically acclaimed artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music. Audiences can also enjoy comedy, visual arts and food, as well as BBC Music Berkshire and family Sunday where Yolanda Brown, will present the Henley Symphony Orchestra.
Find out more and book tickets.