With the summer sun setting on the Thames riverside, Henley Festival – the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, and charity championing emerging talent – kicked off its 2025 programme of sensational entertainment, opened by the legendary Diana Ross on the iconic Floating Stage.
Her unforgettable set featured timeless hits, including Stop! In the Name of Love, Chain Reaction, I’m Coming Out, and many more.
The packed evening of music, comedy, dining and dancing also featured stellar visual art adorning the riverside and Henley Festival’s trademark firework spectacular.
Ivo Graham had festivalgoers in fits of laughter, who were then dazzled with music from The Kondoors, Megan McConnell, Dominos with Ellie Sax in the festival club.
Wednesday 09 July
All images: Garry Jones / James Robinson
Henley Festival 2025 delivered a spectacular week of black-tie entertainment on the Thames, blending world-class music, comedy, visual arts, and fine dining in a unique riverside setting.
The event opened in grand style with a show-stopping performance by the legendary Diana Ross, followed by a dazzling mix of fireworks, laughter from comedians like Ivo Graham and Ed Byrne, and music from acts such as McFly, Rick Astley, and The Kondoors.
Festivalgoers enjoyed a rich cultural experience enhanced by art installations and late-night club vibes curated by DJs like Jo Whiley and Mel Giedroyc, who brought high energy to the iconic Festival Club.
From the soaring orchestral magic of Haçienda Classical to heartfelt folk, jazz, and indie rock acts, Henley Festival 2025 offered a vibrant, inclusive celebration of creativity, wrapped in its signature glamour and capped off nightly with breathtaking fireworks.
Thursday 10 July
All images: Garry Jones / James Robinson
Day two of the Henley Festival delivered a dazzling evening of music and laughter on the banks of the Thames. Headlining the iconic Floating Stage, chart-topping pop-rock band McFly thrilled the black-tie crowd with fan favourites from their 22-year career, including Star Girl, Obviously, It’s All About You, and Five Colours in Her Hair.
The riverside celebration continued with standout performances from Luisa Santiago, James Hudson, BB3, DJ Sarah B, and Ellie Sax, creating an electric party atmosphere.
Adding to the night’s entertainment, comedian Ed Byrne had festivalgoers roaring with laughter. Meanwhile, the Festival’s RISE initiative, designed to support emerging talent, showcased rising stars Darcy Winter, a jazz-pop vocalist, and Jonny Morgan, a folk singer-songwriter from Bath, affirming Henley Festival’s ongoing commitment to championing the next generation of performers.
Friday 11 July
All images: Garry Jones / James Robinson
The third evening of Henley Festival lit up the riverside with a spectacular blend of timeless music and vibrant energy.
Taking to the iconic Floating Stage, legendary singer-songwriter Rick Astley captivated the black-tie audience with an unforgettable swing set, featuring classics like Come Fly With Me, The Lady Is a Tramp, and The Way You Look Tonight — alongside his enduring anthem Never Gonna Give You Up.
As night fell, renowned DJ and festival favourite Jo Whiley took over with her new live show Festival Anthems, keeping the crowd dancing with iconic hits from across the decades.
Basking in glorious sunshine, festivalgoers were also treated to sharp political comedy from Matt Forde and dynamic musical sets from Andres Cruz, Natty Congeroo and the Flames of Rhythm, and The Revue.
On the RISE stage—part of Henley Festival’s commitment to nurturing up-and-coming talent — R&B singer Naima Adams and indie rockers White Lakes delivered standout performances, reflecting the event’s dedication to supporting the next generation of artists.
Saturday 12 July
All images: Garry Jones / James Robinson
Saturday night at Henley Festival delivered one of the most exhilarating evenings of the week, as the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival continued its celebration of world-class entertainment and creative talent.
The acclaimed Haçienda Classical headlined with a powerful orchestral reimagining of iconic club anthems, complete with special guest performances that brought the riverside crowd to its feet.
Later in the night, Magic Radio presenter Mel Giedroyc made her much-anticipated debut as a live DJ, launching the Festival Club’s ‘Pure Heaven’ after-party with a hit-filled set including Uptown Funk, Groove Is in the Heart, Groovejet, and Born Slippy, before handing over to Magic Breakfast’s Harriet Scott, who kept the energy high into the early hours.
The night also featured a lively mix of comedy and music, with a witty set from Rob Auton, performances by Tor Hills, Jazz and the Tonics, Datura Roots Collective, and exciting appearances from RISE artists Luke Marzec and High Windows, highlighting Henley Festival’s ongoing mission to champion emerging talent.
Sunday 13 July
All images: Garry Jones
Henley Festival brought its 2025 edition to a spectacular close on Sunday evening, marking the end of five unforgettable nights on the banks of the Thames.
The grand finale featured electrifying performances by two international stars: Matteo Bocelli, who captivated audiences with his classically inspired pop vocals, and the genre-defying Jamie Cullum, whose energetic set blended jazz, pop, and rock with masterful flair.
As the evening continued, festivalgoers danced into the night at the vibrant Festival Club ‘Pure Heaven’, where award-winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown performed her powerful tribute show, The Bob Marley Songbook. The closing celebration was illuminated by Henley Festival’s signature fireworks display, while comedy fans enjoyed a set from Alistair McGowan.
Music echoed throughout the grounds with performances by Kavalla, No Limits Street Band, and the Big Bike Orchestra. The night also featured a standout set from RISE artist Conor McLain, reaffirming the festival’s dedication to supporting emerging creative talent.
The post Henley Festival 2025: Stunning photos capturing the magic of each day appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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