Henley Festival presented by Hemani reveal the 2026 line-up for five musical summer nights from 8th-12th July 2026 with headliners on its iconic Floating Stage including Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, and Alex James’ Britpop Classical.

Kicking off this year’s Henley Festival on Wednesday on the Floating Stage are icons who need little introduction, Boy George & Culture Club. Exploding onto the scene in 1982, they transformed global pop culture earning Grammy and BRIT Awards with worldwide hits like Karma Chameleon and Do You Really Want to Hurt Me. With over 150 million records sold, they remain one of the UK’s most influential groups. On the opening night Culture Club will be followed by trailblazing London jazz band, the first UK Jazz band to win a BRIT award, Ezra Collective in Pure Heaven – The Festival Club.

Boy George

On Thursday, pop brilliance Sugababes take to the Floating Stage. Since their formation in 1998, Sugababes have cemented their place as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed British girl bands of the 21st century. They are followed by queen of festivals Jo Whiley who will be in Pure Heaven with a dazzling new show as she rummages through her record bag to dig out the very best of 90s Anthems.

Bringing the Friday feels to Henley Festival, is the UK’s legendary rock chick Lulu. Lulu’s career has transcended generations with a lifetime of global success, including winning Eurovision, singing a Bond theme, and receiving an OBE. Most recently, Lulu released her candid memoir, completed her sold-out Champagne for Lulu! tour, joined Robbie Williams on his stadium tour, and shared the Glastonbury stage with Sir Rod Stewart. Still going strong as a captivating live entertainer, the UK proudly and ferociously heralds Lulu as one of our most precious pop icons.

Lulu said, “I can’t wait to perform at Henley Festival in the summer and to give them one hell of a show with all the hits and a few surprises!” We don’t know who or what the surprises are but wait and see who she might bring!

It’s a Friday Floating Stage double header! After Lulu it’s internationally acclaimed Björn Again who have been credited with singlehandedly initiating the world-wide ABBA revival which led to ABBA Gold, Muriel’s Wedding and Mamma Mia! Björn Again rapidly garnered a global cult status and critical acclaim as a humorous, rocked-up, tongue-in-cheek satirical ABBA homage.

On Saturday, Blur’s Alex James brings the defining anthems of the 90s to Henley Festival with Alex James’ Britpop Classical, a spectacular fusion of the decade’s raw, guitar‑driven spirit and the sweeping power of a full orchestra. With special guest performances from Phil Daniels, Saffron (Republica) and Gary Stringer (Reef).

The world’s premier Beatles band the Bootleg Beatles return to Henley Festival on the Sunday to take audiences on a whistle‑stop journey through the most vibrant, revolutionary and defining decade of all, the Swinging Sixties.

This year the festival is increasing performances as well by incorporating classical music early on both the Wednesday and Thursday evenings including classical sopranos from the Royal College of Music.

Alex James’ Britpop Classical

AWARD-WINNING COMEDY in the Paradiso & Riverside – Henley Festival will once again be bringing world-class comedians to the Thames riverside, opening on Wednesday night with a performance by celebrated comedian, writer, actor and TV presenter Alan Davies, best known for Jonathan Creek and QI. Thursday sees British-Iranian comedian Shappi Khorsandi who has lit up screens on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, QI, Have I Got News For You, and even braved the jungle on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. 

Friday will see multi-award winning comedian, actor and presenter Russell Kane deliver his trade-mark high-octane performance. On Saturday, comedian and political commentator Geoff Norcott brings a unique voice to British comedy and Henley Festival, followed by Suzi Ruffell, whose impressive credits includes Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and The Jonathan Ross Show, with her quick-witted and lively stand up. Closing out the weekend is comedian, actor, novelist and presenter Julian Clary, beloved for his iconic, flamboyant performances.

Flash Mob Jazz

The Paradiso in the Spiegel Tent opens its doors on Wednesday with a buzzy performance from the UK’s premier swing and jive band, Flash Mob Jazz, followed by the vibrant jazz ensemble, The Mulberry Earls, on Thursday. On Friday, Saint Six, a red-hot collision of past and present brings 1950s swagger and the biggest modern chart floor-fillers to Henley, and on Saturday, festival favourites, Natty Congeroo & the Flames of Rhythm, one of Europe’s leading Swing bands will deliver an explosive, high-energy performance of Hot Jazz, Swing, Rhythm ’n’ Blues and Gospel numbers from the 1930s and 40s. Closing the stage on Sunday is Liverpool talent Brad Kella, winner of the hit Channel 4 programme The Piano and one of classical music’s most compelling and inspiring new voices, and the New Orleans-born, Grammy-nominated songwriter Acantha Lang with her globally acclaimed soul performance.

The beautiful bohemian Bedouin Tent offers a blend of global world music and local folk, wrapped in a relaxed setting perfect for drinks and dancing. Opening the Festival on Wednesday are Liverpool acoustic duo Darwin & The Finches, followed by The Dominos, a four‑piece band spanning rock, soul, swing, Motown and contemporary favourites.

On Thursday, genre‑blending producer, singer and songwriter KATYA, winner of the inaugural 2024 RISING Star Award, returns to the Festival. Previous RISE artists also re-joining the line‑up include Alex Francis, bringing his signature mix of contemporary pop and classical soul on Thursday, and Leila McKenzie, the Welsh‑Jamaican pop, dance and R&B singer‑songwriter performing on Friday. Local band JG Collective will close Friday night with a crowd pleasing showband set.

Saturday welcomes Remi Bankyln with the unmistakable sound of 1950s Chicago blues, before Vince Freeman, known from The Voice UK, takes the stage with his ‘Tough Country’ style. The Bedouin Tent rounds off on Sunday with rising indie‑folk and Americana artist St Catherine’s Child, followed by the dynamic funk, soul, disco and pop outfit Fresh Collective.

The 2026 Audi Presents RISE Music line‑up showcases an exceptional wave of emerging talent, spanning genres, regions and influences. This year’s artists include new‑wave jazz‑pop singer Llinos Emanuel; Derby‑born indie and alt‑rock band The Public Eye; London‑based artist Emre, whose indie‑pop sound recently saw him share a Wembley Stadium stage with RAYE; and award‑winning Devon alt‑rock outfit 3 Days of Wonder, channelling bold 80s energy. Joining them are London pop singer‑songwriter Charlotte Campbell; guitarist and vocalist Tony Mac; Portugal‑born, Cardiff‑raised R&B artist Bruna Garcia, inspired by her Cape Verdean heritage; and critically acclaimed singer‑songwriter Natalie McCool, hailed by The Sunday Times as a “lilt pop gem”. The line‑up also features Welsh‑born, Ghanaian indie‑grunge and R&B artist Adjua; multi‑instrumentalist Black Gloss Wardrobe, known for his genre‑blending ‘Pop Fever’ sound; and North West London indie‑pop artist Jack Browett.

VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE – Henley Festival continues its tradition of weaving visual art into the Festival experience. This year’s programme brings together artists, photographers and galleries from across the UK and beyond, with festival‑goers invited to explore installations of fine art, ceramics, sculpture, photography, prints and paintings throughout the Festival’s Galleries and Sculpture Garden. Exhibitors include I Spy Contemporary, Ad Lib Gallery, Rock Legends Live, The Artists’ Pool, Drang Gallery, Amber Galleries, along with featured artists Saz Chamberlain and Gill Storr.

The festival is introducing a three-course Riverside Feasting experience! Created by Jimmy Garcia, ‘’London’s Pop-Up King’’, at shared long tables set within the Riverside marquee.

Also new to the festival is the Riverside Social where you can book a VIP social space for the night that you can use as a base for yourself and your festival partying friends. Paul Clerehugh and The Crooked Billet return to the waters edge Salon Quarter.

As always there will be roaming entertainment troupes, food & drink from lavish dining to street food and an impressive visual arts programme with contemporary art galleries and a spectacular fireworks display at the end of each evening. Plus Playdate @ Henley Festival on the Sunday with a range of activities and performances for children of all ages, a fabulous day out for the whole family with a jam-packed programme. In the Paradiso, Exciting Science will have children mesmerised with their astounding display of fun and fact-filled experiments, followed by beloved host of CBeebies Swashbuckle, Gemma Hunt, performing Gem’s Pirate Party.

Tickets go on sale from Monday 16th February to Patrons and Friends of the Festival, and are on sale to the general public on Thursday 26th February.

For the full line up and how to book tickets visit henley-festival.co.uk

© James Robinson