Summer Festivals: Henley Festival & Rewind
When it comes to big events, Henley punches above its weight with two major music festivals each summer – one refined and elegant, the other a neon-splashed blast from the past. Henley Festival, usually held in early July right after the Regatta, is the town’s most glamorous affair. For five nights, our tranquil riverside is transformed into a black-tie wonderland of music, art, and fine dining. Locals and visitors don their best tuxedos and dresses to mingle by the Thames, champagne in hand, awaiting performances on the famous floating stage. Every year, the lineup spans genres to offer something for everyone, and 2026 will be no exception. Expect a mix of classic and contemporary: perhaps a legendary singer or two (past headliners have included the likes of Tom Jones, Diana Ross, and Gladys Knight belting out beloved hits) alongside orchestral spectaculars and even some comedy and fireworks to top it off. One evening might have a West End musical star performing show tunes under the stars; another could feature a chart-topping 80s band reuniting just for Henley’s crowd. It’s all very Henley – sophisticated but fun, and a fantastic excuse to enjoy summer nights in style. Even if you’re not big on formal wear, the electric atmosphere and world-class entertainment make it worth experiencing at least one night of the festival. It’s basically “Glastonbury meets Glyndebourne” on the river, and it’s right on our doorstep.
A few weeks later, in August, the vibe loosens up, and the Rewind Festival rolls into town, turning the clock back to the 1980s for a weekend of pure nostalgia. Rewind (hosted just outside Henley, on the riverside meadows) is the festival for anyone who remembers dancing to synth-pop and new wave hits on vinyl and cassette. Thousands of fans – often dressed in their brightest neon leg warmers, Flashdance headbands, and goofy 80s costumes – gather to sing along with the original artists from that era. It’s a joyous, slightly bonkers trip down memory lane. Where else can you see a lineup that might include Soft Cell performing “Tainted Love,” Tony Hadley belting out Spandau Ballet anthems, Kim Wilde rocking “Kids in America,” and maybe even a one-hit wonder or two getting their moment in the spotlight again? From power ballads to early hip-hop and synth-pop, the soundtrack of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s comes to life on stage. During the day, it’s a family-friendly festival with tribute acts, retro-themed fun (fancy a Rubik’s Cube contest, anyone?), and plenty of food stalls to keep you fueled. But when night falls, and those headliners play that familiar chorus you haven’t heard in years, you’ll see everyone from twenty-somethings to pensioners dancing and singing in unison. Rewind is all about reliving youthful memories and creating new ones – a highlight of the summer for the young at heart.
