For five days this July, the River Thames is to be turned into a celebration of the best food, drink and music as Henley Festival returns.
The extravaganza features some of the biggest names in the business, who perform on a unique floating stage. Previous headliners have included Diana Ross, Elton John and Madness. This year, it’s the turn of Boy George and Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, and Bjorn Again, Alex James, and The Bootleg Beatles. Also joining them will be Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and their special guest Laura Mvula.
And that’s just for starters. While the big names might be enough to get people to don their finest clothes – it is a black-tie affair after all – the event also includes some of the UK’s best comedians. The lineup for 2026 includes Alan Davies, Shappi Khorsandi, Russell Kane, Geoff Norcott, Suzi Ruffell, and Julian Clary.
Add in more music from the likes of Jo Whiley, who will DJ some 90s anthems, and you have a terrific mixture.
But that’s not all.
Food and drink are a very important part of the event. Pop-up restaurants will be available across the site. Among them is Jimmy Garcia’s fine dining experience, which is being set up in a marquee overlooking the Riverside Lawn. His approach is that people should feel entertained by the food in front of them and are wowed by an abundance of flavour. For Henley Festival, he is offering a three-course modern British menu featuring seasonal, local ingredients. Diners are promised Michelin-quality catering … and a chance to access the Riverside Social dance floor.
Places can be booked in advance at: https://henley-festival.co.uk/restaurants/riverside-dining/
The Terrace Restaurant offers riverside views and a front-row seat to the fun taking place around the Festival site. It will be run by Caper & Berry, a familiar name to regular Henley Festivalgoers. They specialise in sustainability and provenance, creating menus that are guided by the seasons, and the richness and refinement of the British landscape.
For more details, log on to: https://henley-festival.co.uk/restaurants/terrace-restaurant/
A new Festival food experience is Riverside Feasting, a three-course feasting experience created by Jimmy. It’s a single sitting: doors open at 6pm, the food is served from 6.45pm and the event ends by 8.15pm, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the music and comedy taking place around the site.
To see the menus and book spaces, log on to: https://henley-festival.co.uk/restaurants/riverside-feasting/
Also appearing will be a pop-up version of Paul Clerehugh’s ever-popular The Crooked Billet. The Stoke Row team will be making a special trip to the site to offer a gastropub menu with a riverside view.
For those who want to graze, a number of visiting food stalls will be set up offering something for every taste, including Greek food, pizza, crepes, burgers, and Mexican tacos and nachos.
Full details of the vendors available can be found at: https://henley-festival.co.uk/food-drink/grazing/
Pop-up bars serving seasonal drinks such as Champagne, Pimm’s, gin and tonics, and cocktails will also be dotted around the site.
Tickets are already on sale, and selling fast. General admission is from £80.
It takes place at the Leander Club from July 8-12.
For more details, or to book, log on to: https://henley-festival.co.uk/
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