The Henley Festival of Music and the Arts is held, at Henley on Thames, each July, on the Berkshire bank of the River Thames, at the same spot and using adapted facilities from the Henley Royal Regatta, which is held the week before. The festival bills itself as Britain's only black tie festival.^[1]

The main stage floats on the river and the audience use one of the grandstands. Each evening it normally features a light classical music concert, with jazz later in the evening.^[2] The festival also features other smaller stages, art exhibits, roving performers, outdoor restaurants, and other attractions.

History

First held in 1982, the festival was created to provide a music and arts festival for the Henley on Thames community, while extending the use of the marquees and grandstands built for the annual rowing event held the previous week.^[1] The event has historically attracted approximately 25,000 attendees each year.^[3] The festival bills itself as Britain's only black tie festival, with catered fine dining and sponsors that include Moët & Chandon.^[1]

In 2010, performers at the festival included Nigel Kennedy, Bryn Terfel and Will Young.^[4] In 2013, performers at the festival included Jamie Cullum, Madness and Paloma Faith.

In 2022, the festival celebrated its 40th anniversary with headliners Sir Tom Jones, The Script, and Craig David.^[3] In 2023, performers at the festival included Rag'n'Bone Man, Westlife, Nile Rodgers & Chic, DJ Danny Rampling, and Boney M. with original lead singer Liz Mitchell.^[5]