Heatwaves, Headliners & Rising Stars at the UK’s only Black-Tie Music & Arts Festival

From 9 – 13 July, Henley Festival presented by Westcoast returned to the beautiful banks of Henley-on-Thames for five glorious, summer evenings of world-class music, art, comedy, dancing, dining and fireworks. More than 27,000 guests – all asked to be part of the spectacular Henley show by dressing in black-tie – arrived on the riverside to enjoy the sun-soaked celebrations.

Over these five magical nights, festival goers flocked to the Floating Stage to see this year’s iconic headliners – Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Haçienda Classical, Matteo Bocelli and Jamie Cullum – before partying into the early hours at Pure Heaven with Ellie Sax, Jo Whiley, Yolanda Brown and a Magic Radio takeover featuring DJ sets from presenters Mel Giedroyc and Harriet Scott.

Succeeding in the creative industries is notoriously difficult, and breaking in is harder than ever, which is why – alongside welcoming global sensations, the Festival shines a light on the next generation of talent as part of its mission as a charity. Since Henley Festival launched its RISE initiative in 2022, the charity has given a unique platform for emerging musicians and visual artists, as well as offering opportunities for young people aspiring to work behind the scenes.

The young stars on the RISE Emerging Talent Stage presented by Westcoast included Leila McKenzie, Darcy Winter, Jonny Morgan, Conor McLain, Naima Adams, The White Lakes, High Windows, Luke Marzec, and Westcoast Rising Star Award Winner 2025, Hetta Falzon. The Festival also champions up-and-coming visual artists and, new for this year, Raoul Orzabal was awarded the inaugural RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize recognising outstanding artists in the early stages of their careers, and offering the opportunity to exhibit in the Audi High RISE Gallery.

Against the backdrop of the riverside, further artworks, installations and sculptures adorned the Galleries and Sculpture Garden as part of the Festival’s pioneering visual art showcase, featuring celebrated artists such as Harriet Gosling, Catriona Wood and James Marshall.

Further highlights from this year’s festival included a comedy line-up featuring Ivo Graham, Ed Byrne, and Alistair McGowan, and there was something on offer for every musical taste: from the Festival’s very own jazz club with performances from the likes of Natty Congeroo & the Flames of Rhythm and Megan McConnell; to world and folk in the bohemian Bedouin Tent, with epic performances by The Kondoors, Luisa Santiago and many more.

On Sunday, the Festival welcomed families for the much loved Playdate @ Henley Festival, with fun for every age and stage including YolanDa’s Band Jam, Mr Sleepybum, The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen alongside crafting workshops, whimsical magic tricks, and awe-inspiring circus acts.

Each night, festival goers were treated to Henley Festival’s much-loved fireworks display by Titanium Fireworks, a fittingly showstopping way to top off each evening of dazzling entertainment.

Henley Festival will return 8 – 12 July 2026.