Opening night on the Thames

Henley Festival opened on the banks of the River Thames last night with a packed programme of music, comedy and visual arts as the five-night event got underway in warm summer temperatures.

The UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival began with a headline performance from Boy George & Culture Club on the festival’s Floating Stage. The Grammy Award-winning group performed a selection of their best-known songs, including Karma Chameleon and Do You Really Want To Hurt Me.

The opening night concluded with a late-night performance in the Festival Club by London jazz band Ezra Collective.

Music, comedy and art

Elsewhere across the festival site, audiences enjoyed comedy from Alan Davies, alongside live music from Darwin and the Finches, Flash Mob Jazz and The Dominos.

Visitors also explored a programme of visual art installations and sculptures displayed along the riverside before the evening ended with a fireworks display.

The festival’s charitable RISE programme, which supports emerging performers, featured appearances by award-winning soprano Emily Wishart, jazz-pop artist Llinos Emanuel and Derby alt-rock band The Public Eye.

Festival continues until 12 July

Henley Festival runs until 12 July, with a varied line-up of music, arts and entertainment scheduled across the remaining evenings.

Artists still due to appear later in the festival include Björn Again, Alex James, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra featuring Laura Mvula, Sugababes, Jo Whiley, Lulu and The Bootleg Beatles alongside further performances, exhibitions and cultural events across the riverside venue. The festival combines live entertainment, fine dining and art in a black-tie setting, attracting audiences from across the UK each summer.

For more information visit the official website.

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Read our coverage of the London launch party for this years event (back in February) HERE