Henley Festival – Henley-on-Thames, England 2026
Overview
Henley Festival is an exquisite black-tie celebration of music, comedy, arts, and gourmet experiences, set against the enchanting riverside of Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Established in 1989 to complement the Henley Royal Regatta, this five-day boutique event has become a hallmark of British summer sophistication, attracting global stars and discerning crowds for its blend of world-class performances, fine dining, and fireworks over the Thames. As a not-for-profit endeavor, it supports emerging artists through curated programming while fostering a glamorous yet accessible vibe, drawing 20,000+ attendees annually. Visit henley-festival.co.uk for full details.
In 2026, the festival promises another dazzling array of pop, jazz, soul, and classical acts, building on past headliners like Diana Ross, Jamie Cullum, and Rick Astley, with comedy specials and art installations illuminating the evening skies. Amid the town’s Georgian spires and regatta heritage, guests glide between floating stages and marquees, savoring champagne receptions and the iconic Saturday fireworks finale. It’s a glittering escape for music lovers and socialites, where elegance meets entertainment on the water’s edge.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Headline music sets spanning pop, soul, jazz, and classical; comedy nights with rising stars; theatrical and cabaret specials on floating stages.
- Special traditions or features: Annual fireworks display closing Saturday; black-tie dress code enhancing the glamour; Young Producers scheme spotlighting new talents.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Gourmet dining villages with Michelin-inspired menus; art installations and silent auctions; riverside picnics and regatta viewing integrations.
Why Attend
Henley Festival enchants with its riverside romance, where you can sway to a soulful set under chandeliers afloat on the Thames, then mingle at a comedy marquee with a cocktail in hand—far from muddy fields, it’s polished pop-up paradise for date nights or stylish soirees. The town’s boutiques and boating clubs add a leisurely layer, perfect for unwinding between acts. Visit henley-festival.co.uk for more.
This event’s charitable edge ensures every encore aids young creatives, blending star power with innovation in a setting that’s as photogenic as it is fun. You’ll depart with the echo of fireworks, fresh discoveries in sound and style, and the thrill of a night out that’s equal parts posh and playful. In July’s golden haze, it’s the Thames’ twinkling triumph.
Date and Duration
- Dates: July 8 – July 12, 2026
- Duration: 5 days
Venue and Location
- Main venue: Henley Royal Regatta Grounds, Thameside, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2LH, United Kingdom; the iconic regatta site with floating stages and marquees along the riverbank.
- Additional venues: Remenham Meadows for main stage and dining; Phyllis Court Club for specials; all centralized on the Thames for seamless riverside access.
- Google Maps address: Henley Royal Regatta Grounds, Thameside, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2LH, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online via henley-festival.co.uk/box-office with card payment; in-person at Henley Tourist Office or regatta venues (cash/card); email for groups; early bird via Friends newsletter.
- Admission type: Paid event; no free entry, but under-16s free with adult for select evenings.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Day tickets from $150 to $300; weekend passes $500 to $800; child concessions $0-50; approximate GBP conversion.
- Special seating or VIP options: Premium riverside tables $500+ with dining; VIP packages include champagne and artist access $1,000+.
- Minimum and maximum pricing: Minimum ticket price: $150 (standard day); maximum: $1,000 (VIP weekend with hospitality).
- Additional ticket info: Black-tie entry; group discounts 10% for 10+; no camping; sales open March 2026.
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: info@henley-festival.co.uk (for inquiries, tickets, and volunteering).
- Phone: +44 1491 843400 (festival office for bookings and info).
- Website: https://henley-festival.co.uk (lineup, tickets, and updates).
- Social Media: @henleyfestival (Instagram and Facebook for announcements and highlights).
- Key Staff: Festival organizers via email; Young Producers coordinator on site.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via info@henley-festival.co.uk; volunteer sign-up for hospitality or setup through website form.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; accessibility requests via email.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: London Heathrow (LHR, 30 miles, 45-minute drive) or London Luton (LTN, 50 miles, 1-hour drive) with car hire or taxis.
- Public transport: Trains from London Paddington to Henley-on-Thames (1 hour); local buses from Reading station.
- Parking: Paid at regatta car parks (RG9 2LH, $15/day) or town lots; shuttles from outskirts.
- Other access: A4130 from Reading (7 miles); cycling along the Thames Path; walkable town center.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: None; riverside event with no camping.
- Hotels: The Compleat Angler (Marlow Bridge, $200-350/night) or Hotel du Vin Henley (New Street, $180-300/night), central with festival packages.
- Caravan parks: Hurley Riverside Park (5 miles, $60-90/night) with hookups and shuttle.
- Other stays: B&Bs like The Old Rectory (Henley High Street, $150-250/night); Airbnbs from $120/night; glamping at Thames Valley sites $140-220/night.
Reviews
- Glorious glamour on the Thames—Diana Ross slayed, fireworks dazzled; the black-tie buzz was pure escapism.
- Eclectic lineup from jazz to pop; dining was divine, felt like a private party—Henley’s finest hour.
- VIP tables worth the splurge; comedy tents hilarious, riverside views unforgettable—summer’s sophisticated sparkle.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What sets Henley Festival apart from other UK music events?
Since 1989, Henley uniquely fuses black-tie elegance with riverside revelry post-regatta, curating pop icons like Tom Jones amid gourmet glades—unlike casual campsites. Its 5-day July burst blends music, comedy, and art for 20,000 in Thames meadows, funding youth via specials. Mailing list snags March early birds for 2026's brewing bill. It's the posh pop-up where sophistication sails.
How family-friendly is the festival for children and beginners?
Elegantly so—under-16s free with adults for evenings, with gentle jazz intros and short sets suiting young ears amid safe meadows. Nearby boating and picnics ease breaks, volunteers guide seating. It's a stylish starter, blending highs with Henley’s lido for junior joy.
What does a typical festival day look like?
Days dawn with 5 PM gates opening to champagne welcomes, afternoons hum 6 PM jazz or comedy till 8 PM, evenings peak at 9 PM headliners till 11 PM with fireworks. Meander marquees for dinners, apps mapping the floating flow. Over 5 days, it's a glittering glide of grooves and glows on the Thames.
Are there accessibility accommodations for disabilities?
Yes—riverside paths with ramps, accessible viewing platforms; volunteers assist from parking to stages. Companion tickets match paid, large-print programs available, quiet zones by the water. Disabled parking reserved, email for BSL or aids. It's the festival's graceful lift for all.
How can I volunteer or support the festival?
Volunteering's chic—email info@henley-festival.co.uk for hospitality, youth, or setup shifts, with training and glam perks. Donors via Friends fund specials, netting receptions and credits. Locals return yearly, from marquee crews to producer aides. Your flair sustains the sparkle—join the list for 2026 calls, scripting Henley's symphony.
