Henley Festival
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Henley Festival 2026 is a five-day celebration of music, arts, and summer joy in the picturesque riverside town of Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Running from 8th to 12th July 2026, this boutique black-tie festival transforms the banks of the Thames into a magical garden party. By day, guests relax on lush lawns under shaded trees; by night, they don cocktail attire to enjoy star-studded performances under the open sky. With the historic Henley Bridge as its backdrop, the setting becomes as unforgettable as the entertainment.
Each evening brings headline concerts covering every genre imaginable: chart-topping pop, blues, jazz, rock and classical music. International stars share the program with homegrown favourites and emerging talent, so music lovers of all tastes will find something to cheer. In the quieter hours a floating stage on the riverbank hosts intimate acoustic sets or surprise DJ sessions. After dark, concerts often conclude with a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Thames and sky above. Every night’s finale truly is a feast for the senses.
Food and drink are featured like headliners at Henley Festival. The festival’s many gourmet pop-up restaurants serve creative dishes from around the world, and local chefs often cook up fresh menu specials each evening. Stylish bars offer Champagne, cocktails and local craft beers as you sip beneath lantern-lit patios. Imagine enjoying a fine three-course meal or sharing street-food platters on the grass – all in your finest outfit, of course. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet very fun: one minute you might be savoring truffle risotto at a candlelit table, the next you could be dancing with friends by a BBQ grill under the stars.
Beyond the main stage and dining, you’ll keep stumbling upon vibrant surprises. The grounds are dotted with art installations, pop-up jazz duos, and roving street performers – from face painters and acrobats to accordionists. Makers from the local area display their crafts under marquee tents, and each corner seems to host a little impromptu party. The festival’s community spirit shines through: friends old and new bump into each other with smiles on their faces, picnic blankets create spontaneous social spots, and even live dancers weaving through the crowd make the whole experience feel cozy and creative.
Families are very much part of the fun too. On Sunday afternoons especially, the festival offers a dedicated Playdate programme filled with children’s entertainers, puppet shows, clowns and face-painting – basically a mini-festival for little ones. Meanwhile parents relax over wine as kids run around on the lawns, and everyone enjoys a cozy picnic until it’s time for the evening concerts. With such a relaxed, friendly vibe and a beautiful riverside setting, Henley Festival never feels intimidating – just like a joyful community party where the people right next to you might even become new friends.
Henley Festival 2026 promises five nights of magical summertime memories by the Thames. It’s an elegant getaway without taking itself too seriously – a place where top-quality performances, delightful food, and genuine community spirit all come together. Whether you arrive with a list of must-see headline acts or simply with a sunhat and a sense of adventure, you’re sure to leave with a smile. Simply put, this is summer at its most special: a classy yet joyful celebration in one of England’s most charming towns.
Henley-on-Thames has its own railway station, served by a branch line from nearby Twyford. Trains run regularly from London Paddington to Twyford (roughly 30 minutes), where you change onto the local service to Henley (another 10 minutes). The total journey from London usually takes about one hour. Services also run from Reading to Henley in around 15–20 minutes. Once at Henley station, the festival site is only a 5–10 minute walk along the riverbank from the town centre. Taxis and local buses are available outside the station if you prefer not to walk.
By car, Henley is easily reached via the M4 and M40 motorways. From London or Heathrow Airport, take the M4 west and exit at junction 8/9 toward Marlow; then follow the A404 into Henley-on-Thames. From the north (Birmingham, Oxford and beyond), use the M40 to junction 4 and continue on the A404 through Marlow. Closer to town, simply follow signs for Henley (or Henley Bridge). Festival parking is available at designated lots on the edge of town (often pre-booked with tickets), or you can use public car parks in Henley if you prefer. (Expect heavier traffic during festival week — arriving early is a good idea.)
The nearest major airport is London Heathrow (about 35 miles east of Henley). From Heathrow you can take the Heathrow Express train to London Paddington, then change onto a Great Western Railway service to Twyford and Henley. Gatwick and Stansted airports are farther away, usually requiring travel into central London first. Henley-on-Thames itself offers a range of lodging options: riverside hotels, friendly B&Bs and boutique inns. It’s wise to book early, as rooms fill up fast during festival week. Many visitors also stay in nearby Marlow or Reading, where additional hotels and guesthouses are available and trains connect back to Henley.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Row Barge | 0.5 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| Milsoms | 0.6 ml | £115.00 | Book | |
| The Red Lion Hotel | 0.7 ml | £69.00 | Book | |
| The Catherine Wheel- a JD Wetherspoon Hotel | 0.7 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| Gardenview | 0.7 ml | £70.00 | Book | |
| Phyllis Court Club | 0.8 ml | £100.00 | Book | |
| Leander Club | 0.9 ml | £135.00 | Book | |
| Henley Business School | 2.3 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| The Stag and Huntsman | 2.8 ml | £100.00 | Book | |
| Inverloddon Bed and Breakfast | 3.4 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Danesfield House Hotel and Spa | 4.2 ml | £234.00 | Book | |
| Wee Waif | 4.7 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| The Olde Bell Hotel | 4.8 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| Bird in Hand Country Inn | 4.9 ml | £80.00 | Book | |
| The New Inn | 5.0 ml | £65.00 | Book |
Henley On Thames, rg9
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