THE FLOATING STAGE

Opening this year’s Henley Festival on the iconic Floating Stage is international icon, singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger who has just finished a triumphant residency at The Savoy Theatre starring as lead role Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical ‘Sunset Boulevard.’ The show was created by visionary director Jamie Lloyd and has received 5* reviews across the board with publications citing her performance ‘Showstopping perfection’ The Independent, ‘Career defining performance, top critics pick’ New York Times, ‘An unmistakable triumph’ The Telegraph.

She recently won an Evening Standard Theatre Award for ‘Best Musical Performance’ for the part and is nominated for many more.

Due to the huge success of this show in London, Nicole has been asked to continue her role as Norma Desmond in Broadway in the fall 2024 at the iconic St James Theatre.

The Masked Singer panelist and Olivier-nominated singer, Scherzinger has sold more than 60 million records, both solo and as part of The Pussycat Dolls. She’s been a judge on Fox’s The X Factor, was a cast member on NBC’s Annie Live! in 2021 and won Dancing with the Stars back in 2010.

JAZZ in the Paradiso Spiegel Tent

The Paradiso opens its doors on Wednesday with a stunning performance from Mimi Rose & The Mulberry Earls, a quartet of the finest and most distinguished musicians helmed by a well-established vocalist who will elevate the atmosphere with her rich, soulful vocals, glamorous style and bright energy.

WORLD & FOLK in the Bedouin Tent

The first performance of the festival in the Bedouin Tent, inspired by jazz greats such as Django Reinhardt and Ella Fitzgerald, is the Brighton-based gypsy swing band Amuse Manouche’s with their hot club sound which comes from a combination of lightning-fast guitar riffs, pulse-racing rhythm, soaring vocals, and a passion for the songbooks of the 1920s and 30s.

Followed later by cool and contemporary, Coyote. They are a high-energy events band capable of delivering exceptional covers of both modern and classic tracks that will ensure your event is an unprecedented success. With phenomenal musicality from it’s performers, combined with the amazing vocal talent and presence of front woman, Laura Broad (Britain’s Got Talent Semi Finalist) Coyote have commanded stages in the UK and internationally, notably in venues such at The Camden Roundhouse, The Vox, The ICC Birmingham and Wembley Stadium.

AWARD-WINNING COMEDY in the Paradiso

Kicking off the comedy on Wednesday is Edinburgh Festival Award Winner and Time Out Critic’s Choice, Mark Watson whose recent TV credits include QI (BBC2) Taskmaster (Dave) and Bear Grylls’ Celebrity Island (Channel 4).

Mark has been the face of shows such as BBC Four’s We Need Answers and BBC Radio 4’s Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better. He has also appeared on Mock The Week, Celebrity Pointless, Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You?, Live At The Apollo and Channel 4’s Comedy Gala. 

RISE EMERGING TALENT STAGE

Night one’s early session on the Emerging Talent Stage introduces Alex Francis, a soulful singer-songwriter hailing from Hackney, London. Alex’s talent has taken him on a remarkable journey so far, touring alongside renowned acts such as Stereophonics, James Bay, Alanis Morissette, and Sting. His musical prowess was further showcased through an official duet with Melanie C, adding to his impressive repertoire.

Followed later by Louise Parker who is a modern country pop singer from Chelmsford, Essex. Her early career saw the release of two EPs: Robin Hood in 2013 and The Lemon Tree in 2016. The years since have seen a sea change in musical direction, ignited by a move to Nashville for several months. This added a country music influence into Louise’s sound.

FESTIVAL FOR FOOD LOVERS

From fine dining to street food, Henley is the Festival for food lovers with a raft of pop-up bars and restaurants adorning the riverside. Table dining is available at The Riverside Restaurant, the Riverside Kitchen, The Terrace Restaurant and new for 2024 award winning and renowned gastro pub The Bottle & Glass in Binfield Heath will be curating the water fronted The Henley Festival Bistro Garden.

Picnic Hampers are available from Pavilion foods in Henley for those wishing to start the evening off with a touch of ‘car park’ dining made easy.

VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE

Henley Festival is known for bringing visual art to the forefront of the festival scene with innovative installations curated by some of the UK’s most talented artists, photographers and galleries.

This year’s programme will bring fine art, ceramics, sculptures, photography, prints and paintings to the banks of the Thames, with a raft of stunning work adorning the Festival’s Galleries and Sculpture Garden.

Exhibitors include Haut de Gamme, Punchbowl Gallery, The Barker Gallery, Panter & Hall and world-renowned artists Tommy Gurr and Nina Brooke.

PURE HEAVEN

Two of clubbing’s best known brands have joined forces to present PURE HEAVEN exclusively for the Henley Festival. Tris Levitate is a captivating force within London’s Club scene.

Followed by the return of The Bootleg Beatles regarded the world over as the gold standard of Tribute, for another nostalgic whirlwind trip through the sixties.

SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS

Each iconic evening at Henley Festival is brought to a jaw dropping conclusion with spectacular firework displays exclusively designed by the passionate pyrotechnic professionals at Titanium Fireworks, the team behind some of the UK’s biggest firework shows in the last decade, from The Mayor of London New Year’s Eve celebrations, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Liverpool River of Light, Hull 2017 City of Culture, England 2015 Rugby World Cup, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games to the London 2012 Olympics.

Tickets: from £80

For more information and how to book visit: