HENLEY Festival has announced it has signed a new agreement to continue its partnership with Henley Royal Regatta for another five years.
A new agreement granted by Henley Royal Regatta will mean that the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival will return to the riverside in the week following the Regatta until at least 2030.
Both are set for the beginning of July, with the Regatta running from Tuesday to Sunday, July 2-7, and the festival running from Wednesday to Sunday the following week.
The festival was founded as a charity more than 40 years ago with the aim of championing emerging talent through its RISE programme.
This year will see headline performances from Gladys Knight, Sam Ryder, Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics Songbook, Rylan, Trevor Nelson, and Nichole Scherzinger.
They’ll be joined by returning performer Charlotte Campbell, Reading’s own Natalie Gray, and Jesse Smith.
It will also feature comedy from Dara O’Briain, Sara Pascoe, Mark Watson, Angela Barnes, Flo & Joan, and Marcel Lucont, as well as its usual arts installations, exhibitions, and roving performers.
Sue Laing, Chair of Henley Festival, said: “We are thrilled to have a new five-year agreement with Henley Royal Regatta.
“It marks our commitment to the Festival’s future, as well as to the growth of our charitable programme RISE – which is at the heart of everything we do. We couldn’t be prouder of our home in Henley, and are very excited to welcome festival-goers to our stunning riverside in July – to see headline acts on our unique Floating Stage, including Nicole Scherzinger and Gladys Knight with her final ever show, and to be part of something truly amazing.”
Sir Steve Redgrave, said: “As Chair of Henley Royal Regatta we are so excited to have at least another five years linking the Regatta and the Festival together.
“We all know that the local community and those further afield love both events; Henley Royal Regatta being the largest rowing event in the world, a highlight of the summer season with thousands of visitors travelling to Henley-on-Thames to see world-class racing and the Festival showcasing some amazing acts and entertainment bringing the local community together in a fantastic celebration.”
Henley Festival runs from Wednesday-Sunday, July 10-14, with tickets and full details available via: henley-festival.co.uk
