Historic Royal Palaces and IMG are delighted to announce the legendary Tom Jones will perform at Hampton Court Palace Festival on Wednesday 15th June.
With a career that spans over five decades, Tom is indeed a living legend. Over the course of his phenomenal career he has won a string of accolades including BRIT Awards for Best Male and Outstanding Contribution to Music, a Silver Clef Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Hitmaker Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Music Industry Trust Award.
Tom is one of the few musical artists whose profession began at the dawn of modern popular music who continues to have a vital recording and performing career to this day. His irresistible show traverses musical eras and genres, appeals to young and old, male and female, mainstream and cutting edge. Tom has always been about the power of the song, the power of the voice.
Tom Jones said: "I’m so excited to be playing at King Henry VIII’s palace. It’s such an historic and beautiful setting. I look forward to seeing everyone for a great night out."
Historic Royal Palaces and IMG are thrilled to announce the first six concerts confirmed for this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festival. George Benson, Van Morrison, Anastacia, Caro Emerald, Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will all perform in Henry VIII’s open air courtyard. Featuring artists from the world of rock, pop, jazz and classical music, this year’s Festival takes place from 8th – 18th June and tickets are on sale on now.
We are delighted to host ten-time Grammy award-winner George Benson where the audience will get the chance to hear him perform timeless hits. His impressive back catalogue includes Give Me The Night, Lady Love Me (One More Time), Turn Your Love Around, and Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole.
On confirming his slot at the Festival, George Benson said: "I'm looking forward to returning to Hampton Court Palace Festival. It is one of the most beautiful venues I have performed at in the world and I’m thrilled that I can perform there again this summer."
Considered one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our age with six Grammy awards,Van Morrison will perform the perfect-sound track to summer with classic hits such asBrown Eyed Girl, Bright Side of The Road, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You and many more. With a BRIT award for his outstanding contribution to music he has also been inducted into both the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, this is a concert not to be missed.
Anastacia will make her Festival debut, treating the audience to her powerhouse vocals. She rose to fame with her first hit I’m Outta Love, which became the biggest selling single of that year. She went on to secure superstar status by releasing 5 studio albums and has sold over 30 million records to date. Performing uplifting, infectious, fun, pop tracks that make you just want to get up and dance, as well as her emotional ballads, it will surely be a concert to remember.
On confirming her slot at the Festival, Anastacia said: “I’m truly honoured to be performing at Hampton Court Palace Festival this year, a venue with such incredible heritage. What a great start to the summer!”
Always a sell-out favorite the King of boogie woogie, Jools Holland will perform an energy-fuelled show with his fantastic Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and will raise the roof of the magnificent Palace once again. His passion for music has made him a doyen of the music scene, and he was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry.
We are also delighted to host multi-platinum selling artist Caro Emerald. This original pop star with the look of a Hollywood icon of yesteryear has a voice that oozes warmth and vitality. Since the release of her 2010 debut album Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor, Caro Emerald has fashioned her own niche. Gorgeous and stylish, Caro blends retro jazz with sampling and modern pop to create a now signature sound. Her second album The Shocking Miss Emerald, entered the Official UK Album Chart at No. 1 remaining in the chart for an entire year. With more than 2.5 million record sales, 40 million YouTube views and a host of awards, Caro has made her mark.
Not forgetting our Classical evening, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the glorious Fanfare & Fireworks. Against the backdrop of the Tudor courtyard the Orchestra will perform scores from the mainstream masters of classical music. After the concert, Festival-goers will experience a spectacular fireworks display over the Palace.
We are excited to announce that Paloma Faith will perform on 18th June and tickets for this concert will go on sale on Monday 19th January at 11am.
On confirming her date at the Festival, Paloma said: "I'm so thrilled to be playing at Hampton Court Palace Festival this June. I hear that the atmosphere is so intimate in the open air setting of base court – it will be the perfect setting for my summer concert."
Renowned for her unique style, the Hackney-born singer has soared to fame since her early days on the cabaret scene. Now she is one of the leading lights, and has proudly received Four BRIT Award nominations to date, including British Female Solo Artist and Best British Album.
Paloma has worked with a legendary roster of music icons and singer-songwriters including Pharrell Williams, Diane Warren, John Legend and Raphael Saadiq; producing two double platinum selling albums in the UK. At the Festival, she will delight the audience with songs from her recent and most successful album to date,A Perfect Contradiction with top ten singles Can’t Rely on You and her first Number 1 Only Love Can Hurt Like This.
Britain’s favourite tenor Alfie Boe will return to the Festival on 19th June with his band performing classic tracks from a selection of his albums, including his latest album Serenata, which sees him bringing the magic and romance of the Italian Riviera to the UK. His success has seen him conquer the world’s most prestigious opera stages, led the cast of Les Miserables for nearly a year, and stolen the show at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace.
King of boogie woogie, Jools Holland& his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will perform two energy-fuelled shows at the Palace where he will be joined by the fantastic Gilson Lavis on drums and the fabulous Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall. His passion for music has made him a doyen of the music scene, and he was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry. With his show ‘Later with…Jools Holland’ now in its 45th series, and Jools’ Annual Hootenanny in its 22nd, Jools’ name has become synonymous with quality music.
The sumptuous sounds of the MGM Studio Orchestra will be revived by John Wilson & The John Wilson Orchestra on 14th June as they pay tribute to composers George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Harry Warren, Jerome Kern and Andre Previn, among others by performing some of Hollywood’s best loved songs and show-stopping sequences from the MGM film musicals.
Celebrated for his sold out annual appearances with the John Wilson Orchestra at the BBC Proms, all of which have been broadcast on television, John Wilson has established an international reputation as a conductor, arranger and scholar. The John Wilson Orchestra is a unique hand-picked ensemble of some of the world’s finest musicians specialising in authentic concert performances of classic film musical scores.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra returns for a glorious evening ofFanfare & Fireworks. Against the backdrop of the Tudor courtyard the Orchestra will perform scores from the mainstream masters of classical music, culminating in Handel’s rousing Music for the Royal Fireworks. After the concert, Festival-goers will experience a spectacular fireworks display over the Palace.
Opening on International Jazz Day, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns at the end of April with an incredibly unique and diverse programme packed with jazz, world and blues legends, superstar international acts and outstanding emerging talent.
Running across six days from April 30th – May 5th, this year’s festival presents a star-studded line-up featuring the likes of Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Jamie Cullum, who will premiere his eagerly anticipated new album backed by an 11-piece big band, a special 70th birthday concert from jazz fusion trailblazer Billy Cobham, five-time Grammy-winner Robert Cray, the incomparable Laura Mvula, who returns to Cheltenham as this year’s Artist in Residence, as well as shows from big hitters such as Jools Holland, Curtis Stigers, Tinariwen, Kurt Elling, Gregory Porter and Frank Sinatra Jnr.
The younger generation will be represented by the likes of rising-star US trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, the inspirational Zimbabwe-born vocalist ESKA, BBC Sound of 2014 nominee Nick Mulvey, and acclaimed New York-based instrumental fusion band Snarky Puppy, who are teaming up with DJ Gilles Peterson for the return of the festival’s popular club night. Among an impressive roster of British talent being showcased will be the much talked about reunion of acclaimed big band Loose Tubes, one of the UK’s most renowned improvisers Paul Dunmall, accomplished pianist Jason Rebello, and the boundary-pushing Julian Siegel Quartet.
The festival continues its association with BBC Radio 2, who will broadcast live on-site across the weekend. Slots include a gangster-themed Friday Night Is Music Night, celebrating the golden age of jazz and featuring the inimitable talents of Kurt Elling, Curtis Stigers and Liane Carroll, and a special Jamie Cullum radio show, which will go out live on Saturday afternoon.
In addition to a world class line-up of acts, the Beyond the Band tent will feature talks, workshops and masterclasses and will transform into a ‘silent cinema’, hosting a range of jazz inspired films.
Festival Director Ian George:
“We’re proud to once again be delivering a really diverse Festival programme that covers the entire jazz spectrum, incorporating blues, soul, funk, world music and more. We welcome musical megastars alongside the brightest emerging talents, all set against the beautiful backdrop of regency Cheltenham.”
The 2014 Cheltenham Jazz Festival takes place from April 30th – May 5th and is hosted in a tented festival village in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens, featuring a Big Top stage, the Jazz Arena, and a food, drink and market area.
Tickets go on sale to members from February 24th and on general sale from March 3rd.
The full Cheltenham Jazz Festival line-up is below.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2014 – Full Programme
April 30th
Jamie Cullum
The Big Top 9pm
Jason Rebello
The Daffodil
9.15pm
May 1st
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
The Jazz Arena
7pm
Judith Owen
The Daffodil
9.15pm
Laura Mvula
The Big Top
8.30pm
May 2nd
ESKA with special guest Laura Mvula
The Jazz Arena
6.30pm
Julian Siegel Quartet
The Playhouse 8pm
Friday Night Is Music Night – Hoods, Horns & Hooch
The Big Top 8pm
Hailey Tuck
The Daffodil
9.15pm
May 3rd
Anthony Marsden
Hotel Du Vin 12pm
Paul Dunmall Sextet
The Playhouse 12.15pm
Nick Mulvey
The Jazz Arena 12.30pm
Loose Tubes
The Big Top 2pm
Denys Baptiste – Now is the Time…
Town Hall
3.45pm
Tigran
The Jazz Arena 4.15pm
Michael Wollny Trio
The Playhouse 6pm
Robert Cray
The Big Top 5.30pm
Kurt Elling Quartet
Town Hall 7pm
Tinariwen
The Jazz Arena
7.15pm
The Speakeasy
The Daffodil 10.30pm – 2am
The Edge Project
The Playhouse 10pm
Gilles Peterson and Snarky Puppy
Town Hall 10.30pm
May 4th
Trondheim Jazz Exchange
Parabola Arts Centre 11.45am
Sunday Lunch with Laithwaite’s Wine and Nearly Hot Club Four
The Daffodil
Bar open 11.30am
Lunch served 12.30pm
Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet
The Jazz Arena
1.15pm
Jake Isaac and Lake Street Dive
The Big Top 2.30pm
Iain Ballamy’s Anorak XL
Parabola Arts Centre
3pm
Liane Carroll Trio
The Jazz Arena
4.15pm
Billy Cobham at 70
The Big Top
5.45pm
Dan Nicholls’ Strobes + ByramArt
Parabola Arts Centre
6pm
Sinatra Sings Sinatra
The Jazz Arena
7.15pm
Gregory Porter and Blue Note Guests
The Big Top
9pm
Thomas StrØnen’s Time Is A Blind Guide
Parabola Arts Centre
9pm
May 5th
Family Show: Jazz All Stars ft . Natalie Williams
The Jazz Arena
11am
London Afrobeat Collective
The Big Top
1pm
Fringe Showcase: Jo Silver and the Café Bohemia & The Indigo Kings
The Jazz Arena
2.30pm
Curtis Stigers
The Big Top 4.15pm
Get The Blessing and Kairos 4Tet
The Jazz Arena
6.45pm
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gregory Porter and guests
Due to public demand, Historic Royal Palaces and PWR Events are delighted to announce that Jools Holland will play an extra date at Hampton Court Palace Festival on 11th June. Always a sellout at the Festival, he will be joined by the fantastic Gilson Lavis and special guests include Melanie C and Marc Almond and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall who together with Jools and his fantastic Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will raise the roof of the magnificent Palace for two special nights.
Jamie Wells, Director of PWR Events said: “Jools Holland has always been a favourite at the Festival, playing more than 30 times over the last 20 years and we’re thrilled that he will be with us for two nights this June. It’s always a great party night and wonderful way to open the Festival.”
In addition, there will be an enchanting night of opera on 21st June. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will present a special midsummer’s concert conducted by Renato Balsadonna and featuring the beautiful voices of soprano Deborah Norman and rising star Noah Stewart.
Other artists already confirmed include: George Benson, The Beach Boys, Jamie Cullum, Rick Astley & Jason Donovan, Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra who will all perform in Henry VIII’s open air courtyard.
Historic Royal Palaces and PWR Events are delighted to announce the artists that are confirmed for next year’s Hampton Court Palace Festival: George Benson, The Beach Boys, Jamie Cullum, Rick Astley & Jason Donovan, Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will all perform in Henry VIII’s open air courtyard. The Beach Boys will go on sale on Wednesday 18th December, but all other shows are on sale now.
The ten-time Grammy award-winner George Benson will perform hits from his impressive back catalogue including Give Me The Night, Lady Love Me (One More Time) and Turn Your Love Around on 23rd June as well as songs from his latest album Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole
The Beach Boys who are known as the ultimate American rock band from California will be gracing the audience with their musical talents on 24th June. Known for their top hits including: Good Vibrations, Wouldn’t It Be Nice and Surfs Up, The Beach Boys have sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide. With 28 studio albums and 4 live albums to choose from we are sure they will not disappoint.
We are thrilled that the most successful UK jazz artist ever, Jamie Cullum will make his Festival debut on 17th June. With a Grammy, two Golden Globe, two BRIT, GQ Music Man of the Year, Sony Radio Award under his belt, Jamie will treat the audience to his classic hits and songs from his new album Momentum.
On 20th June, pop sensations Rick Astley and Jason Donovan will perform a double-headliner singing all their big hits. On confirming his slot at the Festival, Rick said:
“I am overjoyed to be playing at Hampton Court Palace this year. I’ve just moved and now live four minutes away, so Jason and I are going to have a garden party before the concert. It’ll be like a home gig and the perfect way you start the summer.”
Pop sensation Rick Astley rose to fame in the 1980s and dominated the charts around the world. He still holds the record of being the only male solo artist to have his first 8 singles reach the UK Top Ten and in 2008 he won ‘Best Act Ever’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Rick’s unique soulful and engaging performance continues to wow audiences wherever he goes. We look forward to an evening of all the hits, including the song that shot him to fame ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’.
Star of stage and screen Jason Donovan has had a glittering career since the days of ‘Neighbours’ and his subsequent success in the world of pop music. Since that time, he has rarely been away from stage or screen including leading stage roles in ‘Joseph’, ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, ‘Priscilla’ and ‘The Sound of Music’. Jason continues to be a well-loved household name, and delighted TV audiences by reaching the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final, as well as being mentor and judge on ITV’s ‘Superstar’. Jason will treat us to classic hits including ‘Sealed with a Kiss’ and ‘Nothing Can Divide Us’.
Always a sellout favorite at the Festival, Jools Holland will open the summer concerts. His passion for music has made him a doyen of the music scene, and he was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry. Jools’ phenomenal success has seen him sell millions of records throughout the course of his career and he holds the unique status of performing with musicians who have achieved success in every decade of the 20th Century. He will be joined by the fantastic Gilson Lavis and special guests include Melanie C and Marc Almond and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall who together with Jools and his fantastic Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will raise the roof of the magnificent Palace once again.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra also returns to the Festival for another spectacular classical evening. Conducted by Ben Palmer, the Orchestra will perform scores from the mainstream masters of classical music: from Mozart to Tchaikovsky, Grieg to Elgar and Debusy to Strauss. A fireworks display will provide a visual fanfare to round off this superb evening.
Date Artist Time Ticket Prices
12th June Jools Holland
14th June Fanfare & Fireworks with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
British icon, Cliff Richard, will be this year’s headline artist and will sing in the stunning open-air court of King Henry VIII’s Palace for two nights – Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June. Having established himself as one of Europe’s authentic rock ‘n’ roll stars and selling a staggering 250 million records to date, Cliff will delight the audience with his spectacular live performance of best loved classics and new songs
Following a sensational sell out performance last year, which marked their UK comeback after a 20 year break,the Festival is delighted to welcome back Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, one of America’s most successful pop and rock group from the 1960s. The group will give fans another chance to hear many of theirclassic hits such as Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby Goodbye) and December 1963 (Oh What A Night)
The UK’s best ever selling classical artist Russell Watson will also be performing with his orchestra. Having won four Classical BRITS, Russell will perform many of his well-known songs including those from ‘Anthems’, his most recent album release. Russell’s special guests will be Amore, the stunning classical vocal quartet. Commenting on his appearance at the Festival, Russell said, “I'm delighted to be taking part in the Hampton Court Palace Festival this summer. I'm thoroughly looking forward to performing alongside some truly great artists and musical talent."
We are also delighted to host the incredible Lisa Stansfield for her only London date this year. A multi Brit Award winner, Lisa has sold over 20 million records throughout her career. Best known for her smash hits All Around the World, So Natural and All Woman, the audience will be treated to her greatest hits. Lisa said: "After having such a great time last year in the UK with my three sold out shows, I'm so excited to be touring once again and I cannot wait to perform at Hampton Court Palace this June!"
Bringing 50s glamour and rock ‘n’ roll to the Festival is the hugely popular singer Imelda May. With a triple platinum album under her belt and gold certified album Mayhem, Imelda will wow the audience with her powerful vocal.
Incredible blues rock duo, Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart, will make their Festival debut this year. One of the world’s greatest guitar players and a child prodigy, Joe Bonamassa was opening shows for blues icon B.B. King by the age of 12. Singer-songwriter Beth Hart is known for her powerful vocals and soul-baring performances. Beth and Joe will feature songs from their highly anticipated second album due to be released in May, alongside selections from their critically acclaimed debut duo album, Don’t Explain. Beth and Joe are very excited by their new project and plan to bring their individual virtuoso strengths to a grand live stage in the beautiful setting of Hampton Court Palace.
We are also thrilled that the internationally acclaimed Björn Again, will bring a night of ABBA fun to theFestival. Designed as a rocked-up, light-hearted show, it rapidly achieved world-wide cult status and was acknowledged for single-handedly initiating the ABBA revival which brought about ABBA Gold, Muriel’s Wedding and MAMMA MIA! The enduring appeal of ABBA is reflected in the ongoing success of the Björn Again show, having amassed 5,000 performances in 71 countries in 25 years. The show was created and founded in 1988 in Melbourne by Australian director and musician Rod Stephen. Recently acknowledged by ABBA’s blonde vocalist Agnetha Fältskog, Rod aims to keep his typically Australian production at the top and will continue for as long as people want to hear the much-loved ABBA repertoire performed the Björn Again way.
Now a veteran of the Hampton Court Palace Festival, Jools Holland will be one of the highlights of our summer concerts. His passion for music has made him a doyen of the music scene, and he was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry. Jools’ phenomenal success has seen him sell millions of records throughout the course of his career and he holds the unique status of performing with musicians who have achieved success in every decade of the 20th Century. Special guests include the fantastic former Squeeze drummer Gilson Lavis, Roland Gift (the voice of Fine Young Cannibals) and Ruby Turner who together withJools and his fantastic Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will raise the roof of the magnificent Palace once again.
The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra also returns to the Festival for another spectacular classicalevening. The Orchestra will perform scores from the mainstream masters of classical music: Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks to Tchaikovsky’s waltz; from Swan Lake to Ravel’s Bolero. Young and upcoming trumpeter Melissa Venema from the Netherlands will perform the ever popular classic, Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto. There will be a long interval so that Festival-goers can enjoy their picnics and Champagne in the Palace Gardens as the sun sets. A fireworks display will provide a visual fanfare to round off this superb evening
In addition to the music, Hampton Court Palace Festival is renowned for creating a truly unforgettable experience. Artists perform in the historic main courtyard of the magnificent Tudor Palace providing an intimate atmosphere for an audience of 3,000. Corporate hospitality is available in the State Apartments and Festival-goers can also arrive early (doors open at 5pm) to enjoy picnics, courtesy of Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts, on the Palace Garden lawn or underneath a luxury waterside gazebo before the show.
Just look who’s coming…major international stars like Elvis Costello, James Morrison and Alison Moyet….great performers like Will Young, Jools Holland, and the irrepressible bluesman Seasick Steve, pop princess Pixie Lott, the intriguing trio Stooshe and mischievous Norwegian instrumentalists Katzenjammer will all join the fun. US diva Macy Gray makes her first ever UK Festival appearance.
Here’s Cornbury 2012’s complete line-up…SO FAR.
Opening up Friday is aspiring singer Juan Zelada and rocker Beth Hart. The day unfolds with appearances from the likes of critically-acclaimed star Gretchen Peters, the awesome live act that is Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves along with starlet Pixie Lott. Friday night sees festival favourites Waterboys, 80s diva Alison Moyet and singer-song writer James Morrison.
Come Saturday and Cornbury favourite Elvis Costello will be joined on the main stage by his band The Imposters, while gracing the Songbird stage will be House TV star-turned bluesman Hugh Laurie & his Copper Bottom Band. Revellers will also be treated to the ultra-talented Police Dog Hogan along with local hero Danny & The Champions of the World on the main stage. Other artists include troubadour Newton Faulkner, the awesome Rainy Boy Sleep, the emotionally raw Tom Baxter, joined by Aloe Blacc, who brings his Motown-esque troupe for some compulsory dancing on the back of their international hit ‘I Need a Dollar’
National Treasure Jools Holland, brings his unique Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to Sunday’s proceedings with guests Marc Almond & Ruby Turner. Rhythm & blues fans are further catered for with legendary rockers 9 Below Zero and extraordinary Texan rockers Los Lonely Boys. Closing the Songbird stage is the beautiful songwriter Nerina Pallot, who makes a welcome return, and Norway’s best live band, the completely brilliant Katzenjammer will be strumming, plucking, blowing and banging their way through a huge selection of instruments.
Also at Cornbury 2012…
The Absolute Comedy Stage returns bigger and better than ever before. Expect a fun-filled Friday programme presented by local regulars Charlbury Riverside, who is set to field a two-day 3rd stage line-up joined by Balham’s infamous Kashmir Club. On top of this, a fantastic children’s zone with countless programmes will keep kids entertained all weekend long.
“Getting the artist bill together is always a nail-biting task but I think we’ve raised the bar yet again with some great exclusives and a fantastic range of artists, so there really is something for everyone – and maybe I’ll even get to see some of it” says festival director Hugh Phillimore.
“2012 could be our best year yet. We’ve weathered some difficult times in previous years, successfully relocated the festival to an even better site, stayed true to our original aims in remaining a truly independent family festival, and I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the local community who’ve supported us brilliantly over the years – so all bodes well for a successful 9th Cornbury.”
As a family-orientated festival, Cornbury undoubtedly offers something for everyone. The glamour, the charm and the comfort of a VIP area have given it the status for being UK’s ‘cleanest, cosiest’ boutique festival. With a slightly eccentric atmosphere and mixture of the old and new, this quintessentially English event preserves its good natured, inclusive feel. Set in one of the most spectacular and most ancient sites in the Cotswold countryside, coupled with some truly ‘feel-good’ music, Cornbury 2012 is sure to resonate in everybody’s mind.
Legendary Welsh singer Tom Jones opens this year’s unmissable Henley Festival (6 -10 July). Tickets ranging from £35 – £110 go on sale today [1 March]: www.henley-festival.co.uk
The festival is the UK’s best summer party – a five night, star studded, black tie event on the banks of the river Thames in the beautiful town of Henley-on-Thames. Tom Jones and the other headline acts, including Jools Holland, Alexandra Burke, Rumer, Blake, and ABBA Symphonic, will entertain fans from floating stage on the river, against the backdrop of the Henley skyline.
The riverside setting provides an intimate environment for festival goers to experience magical summer nights. Each evening, over twenty acts from the world of jazz, opera, classical and theatre, from the UK and abroad, perform live music and comedy. The Roving Company of Eccentrica entertain you as you wander through art galleries and sculpture lawns.
Later on, watch a dazzling firework display, then follow the revellers to Chinawhite Club and party late into the night.
For elegant dining, book a table at Albert and Michel Roux’s Riverside Restaurant, the largest a la carte restaurant in Europe, along with other inviting riverside restaurants and bars.
“This is a festival both for the connoisseur and the party goer. International performers combine with a jewel box of spectacular acts throughout the five days in a magical location on the banks of the Thames.”says Stewart Collins, Artistic Director
“There’s nothing like the Henley Festival. The beautiful setting and the intimate performances make it the best summer party you can imagine,” says Tom Jones.
Tickets and Dining:
Choose from reserved Grandstand seats or unreserved Lawn deckchairs for the main Floating Stage concert from £59 each.
Promenade tickets (from £35 each) provide standing room for the main concert.
All Henley Festival goers enjoy live performances in the Cafe du Soir and the Salon plus a free pass to seven art galleries, sculpture lawns, eccentric roving street acts such as the Art Tart, a spectacular fireworks display, plus dancing in China White nightclub.
Dine in style at Albert and Michel Roux’s Riverside Restaurant or the less formal Terrace Restaurant and Café du Soir. Or choose casual outdoor eateries like Heston Blumenthal’s Hinds Head at Henley, the Chinese Garden and other venues for light bites.
The Programme: Gates open at 6pm, when you’ll rub shoulders with well known faces, fellow culture seekers and artists, while sipping champagne in elegant, stylish, black tie and evening dress. View sculpture, including the iconic Alice in Wonderland by Salvador Dali, live ice sculpting and works by artists ranging from Peter Blake to John Piper, and dance into the wee hours at Chinawhite nightclub.
Henley Festival Box Office: 01491 843404 or book via www.henley-festival.co.uk
