Henley: Corporate world to descend on Festival
For a week in early July, the charming market town of Henley, synonymous with the Royal Regatta, throws off its genteel air and goes into full throttle glamour.
Located on one of the most scenic stretches of the river Thames, The Henley Festival – now in its 29th year – is the hottest ticket of the British Summer Social Season.
Legendary Welsh singer Tom Jones opens this year’s Festival (July 6-10). His concert kicks off a five-night, star-studded, strictly black-tie event featuring Jools Holland, Alexandra Burke, Rumer, opera quartet Blake, and ABBA Symphonic, who will be entertaining fans from a magnificent floating stage on the river.
Festival tickets ranging from £35 – £110 are selling out fast – book via www.henley-festival.co.uk
From 6pm each evening over 20 acts from the world of jazz, opera, classical and theatre, from the around the world, perform live. Quirky character street artists, aptly named the Roving Company of Eccentrica, wander the lawns, site of the visual feast that is the Festival’s selling arts programme, which features everything from new work by pop artist Sir Peter Blake to pieces buy up and coming young British artists (prices from £100).
A spectacular firework display lights up the summer skies at around 10pm while live musicians keep revellers in the mood to dance until closing time at Chinawhite night club.
What to wear?
Think British lawn chic. The dress code for the festival is black tie and this year is billed as the most glamorous of them all. Ladies come resplendent in sizzling cocktail dresses and jewels, or gorgeous evening gowns fit for a summer’s evening. But being an outdoor event with several covered venues, bring jackets or shrugs should it get chilly after sundown. Gents arrive in black tie and younger festival goers also put on their best bib and tucker (strictly no jeans or fleeces please).
Where to eat – Gastro Guide
During the Festival, dine in style at Albert and Michel Roux Jnr’s Riverside Restaurant (from £110, three-courses exc wine) with a classical French menu, washed down with exquisite champagnes. Alternatively, eat at the less formal Terrace Restaurant and Café du Soir, or indulge in Heston Blumenthal’s Scotch Quails Eggs at The Hinds Head at Henley.
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