Set against the shimmering banks of the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames, Henley Festival 2026 returns from 8-12 July with headliners on its iconic Floating Stage including Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, and Alex James’ Britpop Classical.
As the UK’s only black-tie music & arts festival, Henley Festival offers those with a culturally curious mindset five exquisitely curated evenings with 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.
Hemani, a Berkshire-based company with a mission to empower innovation by investing in pioneering technologies shaping the future, are Henley Festival’s new headline sponsor and their support also ensures that the RISE charitable programme continues to nurture the next generation of emerging talent in the arts. The 2026 Audi Presents RISE Music line-up boasts an extraordinary range of new talent including critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Natalie McCool tipped by The Sunday Times as a ‘lilt pop gem’.
Henley Festival Headliners
At the heart of Henley Festival lies its most recognisable signature – the Floating Stage, where music unfolds across the water with iconic elegance.
Opening night on 8th July belongs to Grammy Award-winning Boy George and Culture Club, whose genre-defining legacy continues to resonate across generations. 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. Their presence sets a tone of bold nostalgia and enduring relevance, a reminder of pop’s power to shape culture.
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. Ezra Collective are the first UK Jazz band to win a BRIT Award, 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. They have also won Best Jazz Act at the MOBO Awards in 2022, 2024 and 2026.
Thursday 9th July brings the irresistible brilliance of Sugababes 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. Their performance at Henley promises both familiarity and fresh momentum – a rare balance that speaks to discerning audiences.
Jo Whiley, the queen of festivals and the 90s, closes Thursday night at the Festival’s club Pure Heaven with a dazzling new show as she rummages through her record bag to dig out the very best of 90s anthems. 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.
On Friday 10th July, the Floating Stage is graced by the UK’s greatest female rock and roll legend – Lulu. She is a performer whose career spans decades yet retains its immediacy. From winning Eurovision and singing a Bond theme to receiving an OBE and completing her Champagne for Lulu! tour, Lulu is one of the UK’s most precious pop icons. Expect a set rich in storytelling and showmanship, delivered with unmistakable authority.
Ending Friday night on the Floating Stage is the original Australian ABBA homage, Björn Again. Credited with singlehandedly initiating the world-wide ABBA revival which led to ABBA Gold, Muriel’s Wedding and Mamma Mia!, Björn Again has amassed an impressive 5,800 performances in 77 countries achieving global cult status and critical acclaim as a humorous, rocked-up, tongue-in-cheek satirical ABBA homage.
Saturday 11th July shifts into something altogether more expansive, as Alex James presents Britpop Classical – a sophisticated reimagining of the 90s’ defining sound, elevated through classical arrangements from a full orchestra and special guest performances from Phil Daniels, Saffron from Republica and Gary Stringer from Reef.
The weekend closes on Sunday 12th July with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with their very special guest Laura Mvula. Their performance is followed by the timeless appeal of the Bootleg Beatles taking festival-goers on a whistle-stop journey through the most vibrant revolutionary and divisive decade of all – the Swinging Sixties.
Comedy with Cultural Currency
Beyond the music, Henley Festival’s world-class comedy offering brings an intelligent, urbane wit to the Thames riverside.
Audiences can expect the dry, observational brilliance of celebrated comedian, writer, actor and TV presenter Alan Davies, alongside the kinetic energy of multi-award winning comedian, actor and presenter Russell Kane. Suzi Ruffell and Geoff Norcott offer sharp, contemporary perspectives while Shappi Khorsandi brings warmth and intelligence. On Sunday, Julian Clary – the comedian, actor, novelist and presenter – closes the weekend delivering his signature flamboyance with polished ease.
The programme feels as thoughtfully curated as the music itself. It is comedy that respects its audience – layered, literate and effortlessly entertaining.
A 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.
A 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.
Playdate @ Henley Festival
Ahead of the evening’s performances, Sunday afternoon at Henley transforms into something altogether more playful, without sacrificing its sense of refinement. Playdate @ Henley Festival invites families into a world where creativity, performance and learning intertwine seamlessly with a range of activities and performances for children of all ages. 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!
A Festival Like No Other
Henley Festival’s appeal lies in its totality. Fine dining terraces, sculptural installations and gallery spaces coexist with spontaneous moments of performance. Spectacular firework displays exclusively designed by the industry leading pyrotechnic professionals at Titanium Fireworks punctuate each evening with theatrical brilliance, while the RISE programme quietly shapes the cultural landscape of tomorrow.
There is, ultimately, a certain confidence to Henley – a festival that does not chase attention, but commands it. For couples seeking a refined social calendar highlight, and families wishing to introduce children to culture with intention and joy, this is summer at its most considered.
To purchase tickets, please visit the festival website – www.henley-festival.co.uk and follow the latest news on Henley Festival on Instagram, X & Facebook @HenleyFestival.
