If it’s a weekend full of fancy frocks, top-tier natural surroundings, and some of the finest musical and comedic talent in the country that you’re after, you need look no further than Henley Festival.
Originally concieved as a sister event to the more aquatically focused Henley Regatta, the Festival – now in its fortieth year – has swiftly gained a reputation as one of Southern England’s most versatile cultural events.
We spent a weekend nestled amongst the art pieces, black ties, and fancy-as-hell champagne bars of the festival, and emerged not only with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the festival’s stunning riverside location, but also an eclectic list of highlights that we couldn’t wait to share with you, our beloved readership.
Russell Kane
The Essex funnyman delivered a rip-roaring set on the Saturday afternoon of the festival, with his repertoire ranging from chiseled takedowns of the festival’s atypical attendees to barely concealed rage at the current state of the country’s governance. A must-see whenever he’s next in your area.
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Pete Tong, The Heritage Orchestra, and Jules Buckley
The electronic music stalwart brought a fullly equipped orchestra to the Saturday night of Henley Festival, complete with the conducting talents of the inimitable Jules Buckley.
The wide-ranging setlist of Ibiza club classics – stemming from Eric Prydz’ Pjanoo to The Chemical Brothers’ Galvanize, via Faithless’s Insomnia and Fatboy Slim’s Right Here, Right Now – was met with suitable applomb by a packed-out festival crowd, who battled bravely through the heat to bust out some of the most enthusiastic (and oft interpretive) dance moves this side of London’s Ministry Of Sound.
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Katherine Jenkins
Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins has long since established her status as a national treasure; however, on the Sunday evening of Henley Festival, she also laid claim to the title of being one of the UK’s most engaging and enchanting live performers.
With a setlist made up of a variety of classic opera, contemporary pop, and musical theatre numbers, Jenkins had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand within moments of striding onto the festival’s stage; and, judging by the sheer technical virtuosity on display and the crowd’s roaring reaction to every single number, it won’t be long before we see her back at Henley once again.
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Jack Savoretti
BBC Radio 2 favourite Jack Savoretti provided the perfect close to Henley Festival 2022 with his upbeat mix of soulful acoustic numbers and rip-roaring folk-rock.
The chiselled troubadour wasted no time in getting the stage’s capacity crowd up on their feet and dancing in their Sunday best, before an unannounced special guest appearance from the fabulous Beverley Knight served to finish the set – and the festival – in style.
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And here’s a selection of some of our favourite photos from Henley Festival 2022:
