An exciting new festival is coming to Henley, offering a world-class celebration of jazz, blues, latin and soul.

The inaugural The Henley Jazz Festival, hosting ten live events from 25th-27th September, brings an exceptional line-up of artists to some of the town’s best-loved venues – including on the river.

BBC broadcaster and acclaimed vocalist Clare Teal opens the festival on the Friday night at the Kenton Theatre, with ‘Jazz, Swing & Other Things, whilst Mercury Music Prize nominee Joe Webb brings his virtuoso piano playing to Purdy’s Pop-Up. Closing Friday evening is ‘A Night in Havana’ with the Buena Bristol Social Club at Henley Town Hall where Cuban rhythms and dance take centre stage.

On Saturday 26th September, clarinettist Adrian Cox takes his Riverboat Shuffle on board the aptly named paddle steamer The New Orleans performing the authentic sounds of New Orleans jazz. Joe Stilgoe, fresh from accompanying Hannah Waddingham at the BAFTA Awards, takes to the Kenton stage, while Liane Carroll, widely regarded as one of the greats of British jazz, will perform at Purdy’s Pop-Up. Closing Saturday evening’s line up Henley Town Hall hosts a 17-piece big band and Lindy Hoppers with The Big Band Swing Dance.

Sunday sees ‘A Salute to Satchmo’ cruise aboard the New Orleans with trumpet star Enrico Tomasso, followed by a ‘Sentimental Journey’ at The Kenton Theatre with Rebecca Poole and Denny Ilett, before a Festival Allstars finale at Purdy’s Pop-Up.

The festival is the creation of acclaimed local jazz inspired artists Rebecca Poole and Denny Ilett, whose shared vision has brought the event to life.

Mr Ilett said: “It’s a thrill to be once again involved in setting up a new jazz festival. 

After co-founding and running Bristol Jazz Festival for 10 years I now find myself living in Henley and starting from scratch with my dear friend and musical colleague Rebecca Poole. For this first year we are calling on all our jazz friends and family and have put together a very nice programme of events to suit any and every musical palate.”

Ms Poole said: ” I have long imagined bringing a Jazz Festival to Henley, so I am absolutely delighted to find that Denny (a friend and Jazz musician I greatly admire) shared my vision and we were able to bring it to life, with the help of our wonderful local collaborators. My hope is that this festival attracts live music appreciators, to celebrate the music we love, and that this might grow into something special. “

Aside from the music and dance, The Henley Jazz Festival is also rooted in community. The event’s official charity partner is Riverside Counselling Service, a Henley-based organisation providing affordable counselling and psychotherapy to adults and young people across the local area.

With demand for mental health support continuing to rise, the partnership aims to raise awareness while supporting vital services within the community. Funds generated during the festival will contribute directly to the delivery of counselling sessions for those who might otherwise be unable to access support.

Suzy Hobbs from Hobbs of Henley, trustee at the charity, said: “We are delighted to be the charity partner for the Henley Jazz Festival. It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of accessible mental health support while being part of such a joyful and uplifting event. We’re incredibly grateful for the festival’s support.”