Attention all music lovers!
Highlights for the Young at Heart
Get ready for a toe-tapping 2026 filled with live tunes around Henley-on-Thames and its charming nearby villages. Whether you grew up grooving to jazz standards, classic rock anthems, or folk ballads, there’s something special happening almost every week. We’ve rounded up the highlights – from cosy pub nights to big summer festivals – all with a friendly, over-50s crowd in mind. Here’s what’s on in the coming year, in a casual guide to keep you in the loop.
Jazz & Swing Evenings in Town
If smooth jazz or a bit of swing is your scene, Henley’s got you covered. Purdy’s Pop-Up Jazz Club is the town’s worst-kept secret for a classy night out. Curated by local chanteuse Rebecca “Purdy” Poole, these pop-up evenings (sprinkled throughout the year) bring world-class jazz and blues acts into an intimate setting. Picture a stylish little venue transformed into a speakeasy: candlelit tables, a grand piano, and maybe a surprise guest vocalist from the London jazz scene. Past nights have seen everything from sultry big-band standards to toe-tapping swing – often selling out as soon as they’re announced. Keep an eye out for Purdy’s spring swing night or her famed Christmas special, where she and special guests croon holiday classics with a jazzy twist. It’s like a mini jazz festival that pops up in our own backyard.
For more regular doses of live music, The Three Tuns on Market Place is the spot for jazz and more. This cosy 14th-century pub hosts the Denny Ilett & Friends Jazz Nights in its rustic Boat Shed room – lively evenings of straight-ahead jazz guitar, trumpet, and smooth vocals. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; you can sip a pint and nibble on their famous Tuns Burger while enjoying great tunes. These jazz nights are hugely popular with locals (a mix of toe-tapping regulars and appreciative new faces), so they create a lovely community vibe. The Three Tuns also runs a monthly Jam Night, inviting musicians of all ages to join in. Don’t play an instrument? No problem – plenty of folks come just to listen and cheer along. It’s a fantastic, low-key way to spend a midweek night, immersing yourself in live music and maybe discovering a new talent. And on occasional Sundays, you might even catch an acoustic duo or solo act in the corner, serenading the afternoon crowd with easy-listening classics.
Up the road by the Thames, The Relais Henley adds a touch of riverside glamour to the local music scene. This boutique hotel has a beautifully revamped courtyard bar (dubbed the Henley Oasis) where they’ve introduced weekly live jazz every Friday evening. From 7 pm, the place comes alive with mellow saxophone notes and jazzy melodies drifting through the warm, Moroccan-inspired décor. It’s a perfect excuse to dress up a little, grab a cocktail, and unwind to some tunes after a long week. The music is pleasantly varied – one week it might be a soulful jazz singer with a piano, the next a lively swing quartet getting guests clapping along. The Relais has even been known to host special tribute nights: last year they put on a wonderful Dusty Springfield tribute that had everyone humming “Son of a Preacher Man” on the way out. So if you fancy a laid-back Friday night with a bit of class, stop by The Relais for music, drinks, and that lovely riverfront ambiance.
Supper and Song at The Crooked Billet
For a truly unique dinner-and-music experience, head out to the village of Stoke Row, where The Crooked Billet pub has earned an almost legendary status. This quaint country inn (with a terrific rustic menu) doubles as an intimate concert venue, hosting up-close performances by remarkably big names. Paul Clerehugh, the longtime landlord-chef, has a knack for booking artists that’ll make you do a double-take. Imagine savoring a gourmet steak and a glass of wine at your table, while just a few feet away a member of a famous band is playing live – that’s a typical night at the Crooked Billet!
Recent seasons have seen 1960s and 70s icons grace the Billet’s tiny stage under the heated marquee. In late 2025, for example, The Animals (“House of the Rising Sun” legends) played a sold-out two-night stint, and folk-rock veterans from Lindisfarne and Fairport Convention teamed up for a special show that had the audience singing along to every chorus. The good news is 2026 is shaping up to be just as exciting. Early in the year, the Billet welcomes Zak Starkey (yes, Ringo Starr’s son and drummer for The Who) for an exclusive, up-close rock session – a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see rock royalty in a pub setting. Then in February, Bev Bevan – the former drummer of ELO and The Move – will present his “Birmingham Songbook” over two evenings, sharing stories and songs from his incredible career. And as spring arrives, Peter Howarth, lead singer of The Hollies, is set to perform an acoustic evening of Hollies hits and more. It’s truly amazing: one week you might get a legendary blues band or a famed harmonica player, the next week a gypsy jazz ensemble like the Budapest Café Orchestra or a local singer-songwriter. Every music night at The Crooked Billet is intimate, warm, and one-of-a-kind. Just remember to bring your appetite – these shows come with a hearty pre-show dinner, making it the perfect treat for a special night out.
Folk Nights at Nettlebed
Monday nights are folk nights in Nettlebed, a village just a short drive from Henley, and they have been for decades. Nettlebed Folk Club is a volunteer-run gem that has kept traditional music alive and kicking in our area. In fact, 2026 marks a milestone anniversary for the club – over 50 years of top-notch folk concerts! To celebrate, they’re pulling out all the stops with a lineup that reads like a who’s who of British folk.
The club usually takes a breather in January, but this year they’ll burst into February with some very special shows. Maddy Prior (the voice of Steeleye Span and a true folk icon) will team up with legendary fiddler Peter Knight for an exclusive one-night performance that’s sure to be magical. The following week brings Spiers & Boden, the dynamic duo from Bellowhead, to raise the roof with lively tunes. And that’s just the start – each Monday sees another amazing act. In March, the Feast of Fiddles tour returns, with a stage full of master violinists from various famous bands fiddling away in glorious harmony. Later in spring, fans can look forward to the ethereal voice of Cara Dillon, one of Ireland’s finest singers, filling the village hall with haunting ballads. And let’s not forget folk hero Steve Knightley (of Show of Hands fame) bringing his rich songs and stories, or Oysterband’s frontman John Jones appearing with his new trio. It’s an incredibly rich program spanning traditional ballads, rousing jigs, modern folk-rock and everything in between. The vibe at Nettlebed is wonderfully relaxed and welcoming – you’ll often find yourself seated next to the performers at the bar during the interval, chatting over a pint. If you’re a folk fan (or even just curious), these Monday gatherings are a real treat and a longstanding local tradition.
Jazz in the Vines at Oaken Grove
Ever fancied sipping a glass of wine while listening to live jazz under the open sky? Oaken Grove Vineyard, nestled in the countryside near Henley, offers exactly that with its “Jazz in the Vines” series each summer. When the weather warms up, this family-run vineyard turns into a scenic outdoor concert space, combining two of life’s great pleasures – music and wine.
On select Sundays and evenings, the vineyard invites jazz bands, swing ensembles, and easy-listening acts to perform on their open-air stage by the vines. You can grab a table on the terrace (or bring a picnic blanket for the lawn), pour yourself a glass of their award-winning rosé, and enjoy tunes that are as smooth as the wine. The music is wonderfully varied but always crowd-pleasing: one weekend might feature a Great American Songbook afternoon with a crooner and a big band blasting out Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald classics; another might surprise you with a jazz twist on classic rock – they’ve even done a Led Zeppelin jazz tribute under the stars, which had everyone both smiling and tapping their feet. These events are relaxed and convivial – often attracting groups of friends, couples on low-key dates, and plenty of music-loving locals looking for a mellow night out. The combination of vineyard scenery, long summer daylight, and gentle live music creates a little slice of heaven. So as summer 2026 rolls around, keep an eye on Oaken Grove’s event calendar for those jazz nights (and do bring a light jacket for when the sun sets behind the Chiltern hills!). It’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday evening, unwinding with nature and song.
