SPANDAU BALLET HEADLINE THIS YEAR’S HENLEY FESTIVAL SUNDAY 12th JULY
The glamorous Henley Festival, in partnership with BMW, is proud to reveal the final headline artist for this year’s series of spectacular shows. On Sunday 12th July one of Britain’s biggest bands Spandau Ballet will take to the Floating Stage and close 2015’s fun-loving & quirky festival. With ten UK top 10 singles, eight top 10 albums and a catalog of iconic hits including, Through The Barricades, To Cut A Long Story Short, Gold and the legendary number 1 single True; Spandau Ballet are one of the most successful groups to emerge from the New Romantic era and are sure to give the Henley Festival crowd a foot-stomping performance this July. Tickets are on sale from 2pm www.henley-festival.co.uk priced from £35.
Known for its summer evenings, full of eclectic & world-class performances on the stunning banks of the River Thames, Henley Festival’s mix of entertainment from across the globe never fails to impress & excite guests. Once through the doors, the weird & wonderful worlds of art, comedy, theater and fine dining collide with unexpected surprises waiting for you at every turn. Just 6,000 tickets are available for each black tie evening; so don’t miss your chance to experience the magic.
Spandau Ballet said: “Summer by the Thames at Henley sounds like an offer not to be refused. We can’t wait to see everyone there and raise money for such a good cause.”
Henley Festival CEO Charlotte Geeves said: “Our headline bill for 2015 is now complete and we are delighted Spandau Ballet will be joining us on Sunday evening at this year’s Festival. With just 6,000 tickets available each night, we have an incredible programme lined up, with something for everyone to enjoy; mixing music, visual arts, comedy & culture together Spandau Ballet have so many iconic hits in their catalogue, who better to get the crowd going and close our Festival?! We look forward to seeing you there.”
So, what’s in store across the 5 spectacular evenings..?
FLOATING STAGE – As ever, some of the greatest musical icons join the Floating Stage for a series of not to be missed performances. Opening the 2015 festival on Wednesday is the uber cool British singer-songwriter Jessie J, followed by soul icon Lionel Richie on Thursday evening. Friday night at the festival will see a one off performance celebrating the work George Gershwin; Who Got Rhythm?! With the Philharmonia Orchestra, soloists Gregory Porter and Laura Mvula, trumpeter Alison Balsom, and pianist Ji Liu. Plus members of Ballet Black set to perform a piece of brand new choreography specially created for the evening by Matthew Bourne protégé Christopher Marney, this is a unique evening especially curated for the Henley Festival audience. Saturday, will see the incredible show of the Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes & Tonino Baliardo, who make a welcome return to the festival and Sunday’s finale sees chart toppers Spandau Ballet bring the Festival to a spectacular close.
COMEDY – Ready to leave the audience in stitches; don’t miss a host of comedians performing across the 5 evenings in festival’s intimate Salon Late. Laugh out loud, with the likes of funnyman Mark Watson, impressionist extraordinaire Luke Kempner who takes over with his comedy masterpiece The Only Way Is Downton and outlandish musical talent Adam Horne’s with his Horne Section. Plus, writer, producer, musician and comedy connoisseur Adam Kay and critically acclaimed Adam Hills and many more, all make up this years comedy programme.
POP UP DINING – Dining at the Festival this year has never been so superb, with Albert & Michel Roux Jnr heading up the Roux at the Riverside, plus new to the Festival this year, Atul Kochhar and his team from Sindhu will be joining us in the Eastern Quarter to give you a fine dining experience with a beautiful Indian twist. Local chef Paul Clerehugh brings The Crooked Billet back for a second year running and chef Mark Hix brings his grazing Hix Fish Dog for those who just need a light snack during the evening.
ROVING TROUPE OF ENTERTAINERS – As ever the eclectic troupe of roving entertainers will ensure you are amused throughout the evening. This year, the colourful group includes Crazy Pony who combine world music and acrobatics, miniature film experiences in Bakkie-Bike’s worlds smallest cinema, France’s Aquacoustic’s concert in a paddling pool and Scubabianchi’s underwater car. Impressive Greek statues come to life as a river’s worth of water erupts from all over their bodies, turning them into mesmerizing human fountains.
ART & SCULPTURE – A host of artistic exhibitions will be unveiled, taking in work from a variety of international names. Two talented artists Jiwon Oh and Otto Schade, will be working live to create something new and unique each evening, while eye catching urban pop art and a very special oversized four poster bed created just for the festival line the river.
Each evening comes to an end with a firework spectacular and showstopper finale, you’d be mad to miss it! We look forward to welcoming you into our unique Henley Festival world this summer. For all the latest information and to book tickets, visit www.henley-festival.co.uk.