Your Guide to Henley Festival 2025

2 weeks ago

From Diana Ross to McFly, and all the gourmet cuisine in between.

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

The UK’s only black-tie music event, Henley Festival is just around the corner, with Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Matteo Bocelli, Jamie Cullum, Haçienda Classical, Jo Whiley’s Festival Anthems and more all set to feature.

Returning from 9 – 13 July 2025, the unique festival is set on the banks of the River Thames, offering a mix of music spanning folk, jazz, pop, world and classical. Alongside this guests can enjoy comedy, art and sculpture, plus top-class dining and a standout firework display.

Henley Festival 9 – 13 July

The Music

This year’s Henley Festival Floating Stage features an all-star lineup, headlined by the legendary Diana Ross, pop-rock icons McFly, and singer Rick Astley. Saturday brings the electrifying Haçienda Classical, blending dance anthems with orchestral power, while Sunday showcases global sensation Matteo Bocelli and jazz-pop virtuoso Jamie Cullum. Across other featured stages the festival also welcomes world-renowned saxophonist Ellie Sax, radio stars Jo Whiley, Mel Giedroyc, and Harriet Scott, plus a special Bob Marley tribute by YolanDa Brown, meaning there’s something for everyone over the course of the week.

The C&TH Festival Guide

The Food

But if it’s festival food that gets you excited, a diverse culinary scene awaits, from fine dining to vibrant street food. The riverside hosts numerous pop-up bars and restaurants showcasing seasonal, locally sourced British produce. Returning favourites include ‘Dish’ at the Riverside Restaurant, and ‘Caper and Berry’ at the Terrace Restaurant, ensuring appealing flavours throughout the festival.

The Comedy

In it for the laughs? Henley Festival’s comedy lineup opens with Ivo Graham, Thursday welcomes Ed Byrne, known from TV shows like Mock the Week, and Friday features political satirist Matt Forde, lead writer for Spitting Image. Saturday brings Rob Auton, while multi-award-winning mimic Alistair McGowan closes the festival on Sunday.

The Art

Henley Festival’s ongoing support of independent artists and galleries continues for 2025, too. Expect innovative installations, fine art, ceramics, sculpture, photography, prints, and paintings curated by top UK artists and galleries, including Haut de Gamme, The Barker Gallery, and Rock Legends Live. Renowned artists like Harriet Gosling and James Marshall exhibit alongside emerging talent, supported by the festival’s RISE initiative, which offers free exhibition space and zero commission to up-and-coming contemporary artists.

For Kids

Sunday is family day at the festival, when Playdate at Henley Festival transforms the riverside into a family paradise, featuring a packed programme of children’s entertainment. Highlights include Mr Sleepy Bum’s hilarious show, the improvised storytelling of Baron Munchausen, Pang On’s comedy juggling, and YolanDa’s Band Jam from CBeebies. Kids can also enjoy magic with Fred in the Shed, balloon artistry, circus skills, face painting, a live Doodle Jam, and even a wandering dragon puppeteer.