Amazingly it looks like we’re in for a dry weekend, so we’ve picked out a few things going on that might ‘float your boat’ in what appears to be a bumper Bank Holiday Weekend in and around Henley, from Jazz in a vineyard or a bit of Gilbert & Sullivan at the rugby club to pop-up bars, gin cruises and festivals.

Or of course get yourself into town, have a bimble round the shops and treat yourself to a drink and bite to eat in one Henley’s fantastic restaurants or pubs.

Following on from the highly acclaimed event in 2019, The Traditional Boat Festival or ‘The Trad’ as it’s known locally, which has been running for 42 years, returns today (Friday 27th) with an even bigger and better range of attractions aimed at creating an exciting and fun filled weekend for families and traditional boat owners alike.

It will include over 180 traditional boats that makes this the largest event of its type in the World plus all the quintessentially English eccentricity that makes it so utterly unique!

There will also be opportunities to take trips on vintage steam boats. In addition to all the activity on the river, they have vintage flying displays, classic cars and bikes, wartime military hardware and a special amphibious vehicle display, traditional fairground attractions and a great selection of top quality places to eat and drink, including a pop-up Pub!

There is interesting shopping too and they have entertainment throughout the Festival and run into the evening on Saturday with the illuminated boat parade.

Look to the skies for a few fly pasts as well.

For tickets and more information visit www.tradboatfestival.com

Set on board the warship HMS Pinafore, the opera cheerfully mocks such Great British institutions as Class, Patriotism and the Royal Navy. Josephine the captain’s daughter is in love with Ralph a common sailor, but her father wants her to marry Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty. The couple are caught as they elope from the ship and Ralph is locked in the ship’s dungeon. Only when certain revelations are made by Buttercup, a dockside vendor, can everyone end up freely marrying their true hearts’ loves.
​
This wonderful comic opera gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast on a beautiful nautical set.

The final of the Kenton Theatre’s Summer Roadshows taking place at Dry Leas, Henley Rugby Club. You are welcome to take a picnic along and doors open at 5pm.

For more information and for tickets visit kentontheatre.co.uk/event/kenton-summer-roadshow-2021-hms-pinafore

There’s fun to be had for all ages at this year’s Henley Country Craft Show at Stonor Park & Gardens 27-30 August 2021. Not just shopping and delicious food, experience a fantastic day out with so much to see and do.

FOR THE KIDS… Vintage and classic fun fair rides, giant outdoor games plus fun interactive activities are sure to keep the kids entertained during your visit! Plus we are delighted to welcome back the hugely popular petting zoo as well as the colouring-in caravan!Plus – Extend your visit and discover Stonor Park’s new adventure playground ‘Tumblestone Hollow’.

FOR THE ADULTS… They have workshops and entertainment with live music from Steph Willis. From hand-crafted demonstrations with Besom Brooms, Sussex Willow Baskets & Watson Hurdles to laser clay pigeon shooting, there’s something for everyone!

For more information and how to buy tickets visit www.thecraftshows.co.uk/henley

The Terrace at the Red Lion Lawn will be running their pop-up bottle bar with local beers from Lovibonds and Rebellion, and gins from the new Henley Distillery.

Saturday-Monday 12-6pm.

Jump on board one of Hobbs of Henley’s party boats, ‘The New Orleans’ or ‘The Waterman’ for a fun afternoon of Gin, Fizz and river cruising.

The experience will start with a welcome drink of your choice, either a delicious Gin and Tonic made with one of Hobbs of Henley’s ‘Mr Hobbs’ gins or a glass of chilled Fizz. You will then cruise down the river past the Royal Regatta Course and past some of the stunning sights you will find along this famous stretch of the River Thames.

During the cruise you will be served your choice of drink (Gin or Fizz or both!) throughout the duration of the river trip whilst relaxing and soaking up the beautiful surroundings, just perfect for that Summer’s day.

This is a wonderful experience to enjoy in the Summer months, combining a river trip on one of the finest boats on the Upper Thames with stunning scenery and most importantly with a gin in your hand!

For more information and tickets visit tickets.hobbsofhenley.com/sales/public-events/gin-and-fizz/saturday-28th-august

Henley Pop Up at The Black Boys Inn Hurley are throwing an all weekend music festival. Ticketed on Saturday and free to enter all other days.

Bands, musicians & DJ’s plus food & drink.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/low-tide-music-festival-the-henley-popup-tickets-166281250697

Art makes a welcome return to Oaken Grove, this time with organist Pete Whittaker and drummer George Double, who, together as “Thane and the Villeins”, have recently released a critically acclaimed album of jazz standards by greats such as Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock and Cannonball Adderley. “Art has shaped an individual style, packed with swagger, loose and swinging, characterised by eccentrically placed smears and smudged flurries delivered in a warm, gruff tone”! (London Jazz News).

Like Art, Pete Whittaker has played in rock bands (most notably The Wonder Stuff) alongside his jazz career, and his playing complements Art’s tenor sax perfectly. George Double has worked with Shirley Bassey, Jack Jones and Marc Almond, as well as with well-known jazz names like Alan Barnes, Digby Fairweather and John Etheridge. Together they blend seamlessly and playfully, a perfect way to round off Oaken Grove’s summer of jazz!

Vineyard gates open at midday and guests are welcome to enjoy drinks on the wine terrace before the jazz starting at around 3pm.

Tables for 6, 4, 3 and 2 people are available. Wines from our own vineyard as well as some other local beers and guest wines will be available to order, as well as food.

For more information and to book tickets visit oakengrovevineyard.co.uk/event/the-art-themen-trio/