The 2026 Henley Festival was officially launched at a media event held on 16 February at Home House in London.
Home House
Organisers revealed details of this year’s programme for the five-night black-tie music and arts festival, which returns to the Thames riverside from 8 to 12 July.
Henley Festival – Photo: © James Robinson
Headliners on the Festival’s Floating Stage will include Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu and Alex James’ Britpop Classical project. Also performing across the week are Ezra Collective, ABBA tribute act Björn Again and The Bootleg Beatles.
Henley Festival describes itself as the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, combining contemporary and classical music with comedy, visual arts, dining and fireworks. Alongside pop and rock performances, audiences can attend jazz and swing sets in the Paradiso, world and folk acts in the Bedouin Tent, and a programme of stand-up comedy.
The event, founded in 1982, operates as a charity and continues to develop its RISE programme, launched in 2022 to support emerging talent in music, visual arts and event production. Participants perform on dedicated stages, exhibit artwork, and gain backstage experience with professional production teams.
This year marks the first as headline sponsor for Hemani, a Berkshire-based investment company focused on emerging technologies. Its sponsorship supports the continuation of the RISE initiative. Audi also continues its long-standing partnership with the Festival and will expand its involvement in the music strand of RISE, offering mentoring, financial assistance and performance opportunities for selected artists.
Organisers say the 2026 edition will maintain the Festival’s established format, bringing together established performers and new artists in a formal riverside setting.
Tickets for patrons & friends went on sale on the 16th February and for general public tickets will be available on Thursday 26 February at www.henley-festival.co.uk.
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