Last updated: January 24, 2025
Combining black tie attire, arts and music, Henley Festival returns for 2025 with a dazzling programme from 9th to 13th July on the picturesque riverside of Henley-on-Thames. This five-night extravaganza offering elegance, entertainment, and artistry, will yet again feature headlining performances on the iconic Floating Stage and this year, Diana Ross will open the festival!
Presenting her majestic 2025 ‘A Symphonic Celebration’, Diana Ross will perform on Wednesday 9th July, alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra for the very first time, belting out timeless classics including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and I’m Coming Out. On Thursday, McFly will bring their infectious energy to the stage, showcasing chart-topping hits from their 21-year career, including Five Colours in Her Hair and tracks from their 2023 album Power to Play.
Henley Festival will also welcome back world-renowned saxophonist Ellie Sax, who will electrify the Pure Heaven club on Wednesday and Thursday with her high-energy fusion of classical training and dance music – a favourite on global stages. Friday sees the return of pop icon Rick Astley, accompanied by a big swing band, performing classics like Never Gonna Give You Up and hits from his 2023 album Are We There Yet? Later that evening, DJ Jo Whiley will get the crowds dancing with Pure Heaven and a mix of nostalgic festival anthems.
Just when you thought the line-up couldn’t get any better, Saturday night kicks off with Hacienda Classical, where the Manchester Camerata Orchestra reimagines legendary dance tracks in a high-energy club-meets-classical experience. On Sunday, the festival closes with two exceptional talents: Matteo Bocelli, who blends classical and contemporary pop with hits from his debut album Matteo, and jazz-pop sensation Jamie Cullum, whose dynamic stage presence and genre-defying music have made him a global star. To end the night in style, YolanDa Brown will fill Pure Heaven with the soulful beats of her Bob Marley Songbook, a tribute to the reggae legend’s 80th birthday.
Beyond the stellar performances, Henley Festival offers art galleries, roving performers, exquisite dining, and dazzling fireworks, with its RISE programme providing a platform for emerging talent in music and visual arts. There’ll be Jazz in the Paradiso with performances from Megan McConnell and Jazz & The Tonics, World & Folk in the Bedouin Tent, award-winning comedy from Ed Byrne and Ivo Graham, outdoor cabaret and festival food from pop-ups to full on restaurant offerings. As always, Henley Festival 2025 will end with an incredible fireworks display on the Henley-on-Thames riverside.
Tickets go on sale on Thursday 6th February. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of summer’s most exclusive and enchanting events, click here to buy. Follow on Instagram and Twitter @henleyfestival
