Henley Festival 2008

Henley Festival announces plans for England's greatest party!

One of the country’s biggest Arts Festivals, Henley presents its most inventive programme yet – 9-13 July 2008

Artistic Director Stewart Collins has announced headlines for what can only be described as a knock-out programme for the 2008 Henley Festival. 

The Festival takes place the week after the Regatta, between 9 and 13 July, and is now one of the biggest, best-established and best-loved Arts Festivals in the country.

Visitors to this year’s must-do event of the season can expect the best in classical music, jazz, opera, comedy, dance, street theatre, rock and firework spectaculars like you’ve never experienced them before. With its wonderful range of entertainment in a breathtaking setting on the banks of the River Thames and with some of the best wining and dining seen at any Festival, Henley Festival makes for an unmissable and highly glamorous party, with stars on stage and in the audience, too!

Headlines for this year include operatic treats from singing sensations Lesley Garrett, Hayley Westenra with special guest Cortes, Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, an explosion of jazz from such treasures as Courtney Pine, New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ronnie Scott’s Allstars and young jazz pianist Zoe Rahman, fiery and passionate guitar from Gipsy Kings and great classical and jazz guitar from John Williams and John Etheridge, along with a whole host of world performances from Latin-music comedy sensation Olé through to acoustic roots duo Show of Hands.  Classical performances include leading violinists David Garrett and much-in-the-news Tasmin Little, four extraordinary musicians from the same family – String Fever, and young baroque ensemble The Armonico Consort (featuring the acclaimed trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins).  Stand-up comedy will be provided by Sandi Toksvig, Punt and Dennis and Ed Byrne and Sunday night’s party will feature The Proclaimers – proving that they are still among the most dynamic and energetic live acts in the world, stirring passions on both sides of the Atlantic. 

This year’s firework spectaculars have a world twist – and a first for the Festival.  Against the magnificent traditional firework backdrop Korean master drummers Dulsori present a mighty barrage of ancient rhythms and as the fireworks fade away, the 30-piece Junkanoo Backline Carnival Band from the Bahamas take over with their joyous music and magnificent costumes. 

And as if to emphasise the Henley Festival’s stature as a ‘big hitter’, Artistic Director Stewart Collins has provided another inspirational addition for this year – the Floating Stage will be taken over late on the Saturday night by an old car…  Guests at Saturday night’s Festival will not only experience the top recording star Hayley Westenra with special guest Cortes, but afterwards will witness Auto Auto as they present a virtuoso performance by smashing up an Opel Kadett!  Armed with the tools of a mechanic, Auto Auto will turn a car into a symphony orchestra. 

The insanity doesn’t stop there, the Festival’s company of “Roving Eccentrica” will provide a surprise around every corner and there will be a great deal of top quality – as well as quirky and even mischievous – art and sculpture.

Generous sponsors of this year’s Festival include Invesco Perpetual, Westcoast, LavAzza, Waitrose and Champagne Laurent-Perrier, to name but a few.

Happening over five nights, audiences will be treated to an event full of contrasting performances on whichever night they attend.  As always, one ticket gives access to up to six timetabled events each night (as well as the visual art galleries and ad hoc street theatre fun) and access to a choice of 4 bars, 5 eateries and a wide range of top quality catering concessions.  

Sipping champagne overlooking the water whilst enjoying the Festival’s sights and sounds – designer evening wear, banks of flowers, extraordinary sculptures, swirling lights and the sight of a hundred candle lit dinner parties taking place on the boats on the river will provide lasting memories. 

The 2008 Henley Festival runs from 9-13 July.  To book tickets for the Festival contact the Box Office on 01491 843404 or visit the website at www.henley-festival.co.uk.  Public bookings online or by post can be made from 10 March.  Booking by telephone or by visiting the office in Friday Street, Henley, can be made from 31 March.