HENLEY FESTIVAL’S SPECTACULAR LINE-UP FOR 2026

Featuring…

BOY GEORGE & CULTURE CLUB | SUGABABES

LULU | BJÖRN AGAIN

ALEX JAMES’ BRITPOP CLASSICAL | BOOTLEG BEATLES

EZRA COLLECTIVE | JO WHILEY’S 90s ANTHEMS

ALAN DAVIES, RUSSELL KANE, GEOFF NORCOTT, SUZI RUFFELL, JULIAN CLARY

& much more…

Henley Festival Presented by Hemani is thrilled to reveal a dazzling line-up for five magical summer nights from 8-12 July 2026 with headliners on its iconic Floating Stage including Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, and Alex James’ Britpop Classical.

Hemani, a Berkshire-based company with a mission to empower innovation by investing in pioneering technologies shaping the future, were recently announced as Henley Festival’s new headline sponsor. Their support also ensures that the RISE charitable programme continues to nurture the next generation of talent.

“Hemani is excited to be Henley Festival’s 2026 headline sponsor. We recognise the impact that Henley Festival’s RISE programme has had since its launch in 2022 and are delighted that through our sponsorship we can support Henley Festival in its mission to champion the next generation of emerging talent in the arts.” Joe Hemani, Chairman of Hemani Ventures

The UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, Henley Festival is truly an experience like no other: a world-class music programme of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz set alongside stellar comedy, stunning art galleries and sculpture installations, roving performers, as well as dining, drinks, dancing and spectacular fireworks shows.

But it is more than an unmissable event: it is a charity with a mission to support the next generation of talent through its RISE programme. As part of the Festival’s incredible line-up, RISE gives a unique platform for emerging musicians and visual artists, as well offering opportunities for young people aspiring to work behind the scenes.

“Henley Festival creates the most special, unforgettable experiences. From emerging artists to established headliners, performances are pure joy – buzzy, energetic and certain to have everyone on their feet until the early hours. We are delighted to continue supporting the next generation of talent with the RISE programme – from Audi Presents RISE Music to visual arts to Hemani’s Early RISErs – it is so exciting to contribute to the creative journeys of both new and returning artists. This year’s starry line up promises to continue this fantastic atmosphere, and whether you’re a newcomer or returning, it is not only our performers but our audience who bring the glamour and feel-good factor. Dressed up in black-tie from sequins to suits, dancing to your favourite artists in a beautiful riverside setting, all festival-goers love how they can be part of the spectacle themselves.” Jo Bausor, CEO of Henley Festival

HENLEY FESTIVAL 2026: FULL LINE-UP

FLOATING STAGE HEADLINERS

BOY GEORGE & CULTURE CLUB | SUGABABES

LULU | BJÖRN AGAIN

ALEX JAMES’ BRITPOP CLASSICAL

And on Sunday… | BOOTLEG BEATLES

PURE HEAVEN – The Festival Club

Ezra Collective | Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems

COMEDY at the Paradiso & Riverside

ALAN DAVIES | RUSSELL KANE

GEOFF NORCOTT | SUZI RUFFELL | JULIAN CLARY

Audi Presents RISE Music

Creating opportunities for emerging talent to learn, perform and flourish

LLINOS EMANUEL | THE PUBLIC EYE | EMRE | 3 DAYS OF WONDER

CHARLOTTE CAMPBELL | TONY MAC | BRUNA GARCIA | NATALIE MCCOOL

ADJUA | BLACK GLOSS WARDROBE | JACK BROWETT

JAZZ, SWING & CLASSICAL at the Paradiso

FLASH MOB JAZZ | THE MULBERRY EARLS | SAINT SIX

NATTY CONGEROO & THE FLAMES OF RHYTHM | BRAD KELLA | ACANTHA LANG

WORLD in the Bedouin Tent

DARWIN & THE FINCHES | THE DOMINOS | KATYA | ALEX FRANCIS

LEILA MCKENZIE | JG COLLECTIVE | REMI BANKYLN

VINCE FREEMAN | ST CATHERINE’S CHILD | FRESH COLLECTIVE

VISUAL ARTS in Henley Festival’s Galleries & Sculpture Garden

I SPY CONTEMPORARY | SAZ CHAMBERLAIN

GILL STORR ART | AD LIB GALLERY | ROCK LEGENDS LIVE

THE ARTISTS’ POOL | DRANG GALLERY | AMBER GALLERIES

RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize Finalists

PLAYDATE @ Henley Festival

EXCITING SCIENCE | GEM’S PIRATE PARTY, FROM CBEEBIES SWASHBUCKLE

TWEEDY’S MASSIVE SOLO SHOW | MC GRAMMAR | SHED OF STORIES

RAINDROPS ON ROSES | THE FIRE FIGHTERS | THE GIANT BALLOON SHOW | CIRCUS SKILLS

BUBBLES MAN | PARTY POPPERS | FACE PAINTING 4 ALL | GILDED SKIN ART

WALLY WONKY | ABBEY SCHOOL ART WORKSHOP | TOMMY’S DOODLE JAM

Introducing… Early RISErs

THE FLOATING STAGE HEADLINERS 2026

Kicking off this year’s Henley Festival on the Floating Stage are icons that need little introduction: Boy George & Culture Club. With careers spanning over 40 years, the Grammy Award-winners first shot to international stardom in the 1980s as one of the UK’s biggest exports of the 20^th century. When Boy George and Culture Club exploded on the scene in 1982, they sent shockwaves around the World and changed popular culture forever. Over the next three decades, they simultaneously shifted perception in music, fashion and art. Winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artists, and BRIT Awards for Best British Group and Best British Single, Culture Club became the first group since The Beatles to have three Top 10 hits in America from a debut album, the first group in music history to have an album certified diamond in Canada, and went on to achieve numerous international Top 10 singles including ‘Karma Chameleon’ and ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’. They have sold over 100 million singles and 50 million albums Worldwide. Culture Club are without a doubt living legends, with their frontman Boy George recognised as one of the first true, unapologetic innovators in the music and fashion world and irrevocably, of our time.

As the sun sets on Wednesday evening, join trailblazing London jazz band Ezra Collective in Pure Heaven to experience the unifying power of dance. 2023 marked a stellar year for the band, where they toured the world and became the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize. Dance, No One’s Watching is a documentation of the many dance floors they encountered that year, an ode to the sacred, yet joyous act of dancing, an album that musically guides you through a night out in the city, from the opening of possibilities as a new evening spans out ahead, to dawn’s final hours as the night comes to a close. From Henley to Chicago, Lagos to Australia, dance and rhythm connect us. Since the album’s release in 2024, Ezra Collective have continued to break down barriers for UK Jazz. They are the first UK Jazz band to win a BRIT Award (Group of the Year), having been nominated for four awards, have a top 10 album in the UK, be playlisted on BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, perform on Live Lounge and be nominated for the BBC Sound Of poll.

On Thursday, pop brilliance Sugababes take to the Floating Stage. Since their formation in 1998, Sugababes have cemented their place as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed British girl bands of the 21st century. They have scored six Number One singles, had millions of global sales and multiple multi-platinum albums. Their recent comeback – as the original line-up of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy – was solidified with their now legendary 2022 and 2024 Glastonbury performances, where both fields were at record-breaking capacity. This set the scene for their biggest tour to date in 2025, hitting Arenas across UK and Europe, and the first new wave of music.

Henley Festival is thrilled to welcome the queen of festivals and the 90s, Jo Whiley, back to Pure Heaven on Thursday night. The ultimate authority on British music – and the voice and face of a generation – is headed your way with a dazzling new show as she rummages through her record bag to dig out the very best of 90s Anthems. No-one knows the 90s like Jo – she was right there on the cutting-edge, leading the charge as Britpop blew up, dance music exploded and indie went wild. Now you can relive those magical memories on a dancefloor once again. From Oasis to Blur, The Chemical Brothers to The Prodigy, let Jo take you on a personal tour of her finest musical memories of the decade that defined them all.

Bringing the Friday feels to Henley Festival, is the UK’s greatest female rock and roll legend: Lulu. Hailing from Glasgow, Lulu’s career has transcended generations with a lifetime of global success, including winning Eurovision, singing a Bond theme, and receiving an OBE. Most recently, Lulu released her candid memoir, completed her sold-out Champagne for Lulu! tour, joined Robbie Williams on his stadium tour, and shared the Glastonbury stage with Sir Rod Stewart. Still going strong as a captivating live entertainer, the UK proudly and ferociously heralds Lulu as one of our most precious pop icons – the glittering jewel in our entertainment cultural crown. Lulu is currently recording a new album.

Lulu has said: “I can’t wait to perform at Henley Festival in the summer and to give them one hell of a show with all the hits and a few surprises!”

Ending the night of stellar performances on the Floating Stage is the original Australian ABBA homage, Björn Again. The internationally acclaimed Björn Again, created in 1988 in Melbourne by Rod Stephen, rapidly garnered a global cult status and critical acclaim as a humorous, rocked-up, tongue-in-cheek satirical ABBA homage. Credited with singlehandedly initiating the world-wide ABBA revival which led to ABBA Gold, Muriel’s Wedding and Mamma Mia! In its 38^th year, Björn Again has amassed an impressive 5,800 performances in 77 countries reflecting ABBA’s enduring appeal, with their success with Voyage. Acknowledged by many in the music industry including ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog, this uniquely Australian production successfully combines ABBA’s hits together with several covers and original tunes.

Rod Stephen, the creator of Björn Again said: “I am personally very pleased for the invitation for the Björn Again show to appear once again at the Henley Festival, and in support of the RISE charity programme. 2026 marks Björn Again’s 38th anniversary and the show will definitely be another triumph. I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone having a great time in Henley this Summer.”

On Saturday, Blur’s Alex James brings the unforgettable anthems of the 90’s to Henley Festival with Alex James’ Britpop Classical, fusing the raw energy of the era’s biggest hits with the breathtaking power of a full Orchestra. Featuring special guest performances from Phil Daniels, Saffron (Republica) and Gary Stringer (Reef), this unique concert reimagines the songs that defined a generation, delivering an electrifying blend of melodies and stunning classical arrangements.

Rounding out the Festival is the ultimate ode to The Beatles, Bootleg Beatles. Formed in 1980 from the West End cast of Broadway hit musical ‘Beatlemania’, the Bootleg Beatles were at the very origins of the tribute band scene. From Love Me Do to Let It Be, from the Cavern to the Apple rooftop, from black and white to psychedelic technicolour, the world’s premier Beatles band returns to take you on a whistle-stop journey through the most vibrant revolutionary and divisive decade of all – the Swinging Sixties. Featuring the iconic mop tops and the Chelsea boots, the Sgt Pepper tunics and the Chesterfield suits, each tiny vocal inflection and each witty Beatle quip, all meticulously studied on this Magical Mystery Trip… it’s all here at Henley Festival.

Bootleg Beatles said: “We last played Henley – the best dressed festival in the UK – in 2024. A beautiful Summer’s evening, a packed tent with a sing-along party crowd, and afterwards England beat Holland in the Euro’s semifinals. What more could you wish for? Looking forward to another great night!”

Audi Presents RISE Music

Henley Festival was set up in 1982 as a charity with mission to stage an unforgettable music and arts Festival for the local community and this mission remains the same over forty years later. But it’s more than just an unmissable event: launched in 2022, the Festival’s RISE programme provides a unique platform for aspiring professionals in music (who perform on the dedicated RISE stage), visual art (with artists exhibiting in the RISE gallery) and production (with backstage students working across the site with the best lighting and sound companies in the industry).

Audi has been the proud Official Car Partner to Henley Festival since 2019 and a long-standing champion of the RISE programme. This year, the brand with four rings is going a step further with Audi Presents RISE Music, which will give participants visibility, financial support, mentoring, professional advice and networking, and exposure to a fantastic, receptive audience. RISE actively works with local and national colleges, as well as performing arts academies, to find talented individuals and groups, whatever their story, who will benefit from the opportunities provided.

The 2026 Audi Presents RISE Music line-up boasts  an extraordinary range of new talent, to include performances from new wave jazz-pop singer Llinos Emanuel; Derby-born indie and alt-rock band The Public Eye; London-based artist Emre whose indie pop sound has led him to share a stage with RAYE at Wembley Stadium; award-winning, Devon-based alt-rock band 3 Days of Wonder bringing 80s vibes; London-based pop singer-songwriter Charlotte Campbell; guitarist and vocalist Tony Mac; Portugal-born, Cardiff-raised R&B singer-songwriter Bruna Garcia,inspired by her Cape Verdean roots; critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Natalie McCool tipped by The Sunday Times as a ‘lilt pop gem’; Welsh-born, Ghanaian singer-songwriter Adjua bringing her unique and stylish indie-grunge, R&B sound; multi-instrumentalist artist Black Gloss Wardrobe who blends Alt, Funk, Disco, Ska and more to create his unique ‘Pop Fever’ genre; and North West London-based indie pop artist Jack Browett.

JAZZ, SWING & CLASSICAL in the Paradiso

Henley’s very own jazz club in the Paradiso opens its doors on Wednesday with a buzzy performance from the UK’s premier swing and jive band, Flash Mob Jazz, followed by the vibrant jazz ensemble – The Mulberry Earls – on Thursday. On Friday, Saint Six, a red-hot collision of past and present brings 1950s swagger and the biggest modern chart floor-fillers to Henley, and on Saturday Natty Congeroo & the Flames of Rhythm, one of Europe’s leading Swing bands will deliver an explosive, high-energy performance of Hot Jazz, Swing, Rhythm ’n’ Blues and Gospel numbers from the 1930s and 40s. Closing the stage on Sunday is Liverpool talent Brad Kella, winner of the hit Channel 4 programme The Piano and one of classical music’s most compelling and inspiring new voices, and the New Orleans-born, Grammy-nominated songwriter Acantha Lang with her globally acclaimed soul performance.

WORLD & FOLK in the Bedouin Tent

Henley Festival’s atmospheric Bedouin Tent showcases a spellbinding mix of global world music and local folk in a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, alongside drinks and dancing. Opening the Festival on Wednesday are Darwin & The Finches, acoustic artists bringing their Northern charm from Liverpool, and The Dominos, a four-piece band delivering rock, soul, swing, Motown and contemporary favourites.

On Thursday, genre-blending producer, singer and songwriter KATYA – the winner of the inaugural 2024 RISING Star Award – returns to Henley Festival. Other previous RISE performers returning to the stage include: Alex Francis on Thursday with his captivating blend of contemporary pop and classical soul, and Welsh-Jamaican pop, dance and R&B singer-songwriter Leila McKenzie on Friday. JG Collective will close Friday night with a spell-binding showband performance.

On Saturday, Remi Bankyln will bring 1950s Chicago blues to Henley, before Vince Freeman – a previous contestant on The Voice UK –takes the stage with his ‘Tough Country’ tunes. Rounding off the Bedouin Tent on Sunday will be St Catherine’s Child, a rising star of the indie folk and Americana scene, and the dynamic four-piece funk, soul, disco and pop band Fresh Collective.

AWARD-WINNING COMEDY in the Paradiso & Riverside

Henley Festival will once again be bringing world-class comedians to the Thames riverside, opening on Wednesday night with a performance by celebrated comedian, writer, actor and TV presenter Alan Davies, best known for Jonathan Creek and QI. Friday will see multi-award winning comedian, actor and presenter Russell Kane deliver his trade-mark high-octane performance. On Saturday, comedian and political commentator Geoff Norcott brings a unique voice to British comedy and Henley Festival, followed by Suzi Ruffell, whose impressive credits includes Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and The Jonathan Ross Show, with her quick-witted and lively stand up. Closing out the weekend is comedian, actor, novelist and presenter Julian Clary, beloved for his iconic, flamboyant performances.

FESTIVAL FOR FOOD LOVERS

From fine dining to street food, Henley is the Festival for food lovers with a raft of pop-up bars and restaurants adorning the riverside sure to tantalise all taste buds. A special dining experience with stunning views of the River Thames, the Terrace Restaurant will feature culinary delights from Caper & Berry, with a menu that features the very best of seasonal, locally sourced produce and a commitment to British farming and sustainability. At the Riverside Restaurant, festival-goers will be offered a brand-new fine-dining feasting experience… more details coming soon!

VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE

Henley Festival is known for uniquely bringing visual art to the Festival experience. Talented artists, photographers and galleries from the UK and internationally will feature in this year’s innovative programme, with festival-goers treated to striking installations of fine art, ceramics, sculptures, photography, prints and paintings in the Festival’s Galleries and Sculpture Garden. Exhibitors include I Spy Contemporary, Ad Lib Gallery, Rock Legends Live, The Artists’ Pool, Drang Gallery, Amber Galleries and artists including Saz Chamberlain and Gill Storr.

The finalists of this year’s RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize will win a monetary prize and be awarded the opportunity to exhibit their work in the RISE gallery. Established in 2025, the prize rewards trailblazing emerging talent in the visual arts space.

PLAYDATE AT HENLEY FESTIVAL

Playdate at Henley Festival will take over the riverside on Sunday with a range of activities and performances for children of all ages – it’s set to be an unmissable day out for the whole family with a jam-packed programme. In the Paradiso, Exciting Science will have children mesmerised with their astounding display of fun and fact-filled experiments, followed by beloved host of CBeebies Swashbuckle, Gemma Hunt, performing Gem’s Pirate Party.

Meanwhile at Big Top, Tweedy’s Massive Solo Show – a five-star clown comedy hit at the Edinburgh Fringe – will have children rolling in laughter, before MC Grammar – award-winning and viral book-rapper sensation – will get kids singing along to his catchy melodies. The Riverside Lawn will also feature the mesmerising Shed of Stories, a celebration of happiness and self-acceptance with circus show Raindrops on Roses, slapstick comedy and daredevil stunts with The Fire Fighters, an award-winning comedic performance merging balloons and an 80s soundtrack from The Giant Balloon Show and learn something new with Circus Skills. There will also be a Doodle Jam session with artist Tommy Gurr, Face Painting 4 All, Gilded Skin Art, a special Art Workshop hosted by The Abbey School, wandering entertainers and more! Hemani will support the new Early RISErs programme for under 18s.

SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS

Each iconic evening at Henley Festival is brought to a dazzling conclusion with spectacular firework displays exclusively designed by the industry leading pyrotechnic professionals at Titanium Fireworks, the team behind some of the UK’s biggest firework shows in the last decade, from The Mayor of London New Year’s Eve celebrations and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. Henley is the only music festival working Titanium and their extraordinary brand of sparkle is the perfect partner for the magical and unforgettable memories made at the Henley-on-Thames riverside.