If you couldn’t make it along to this summer’s Henley Regatta, or were not posh enough to own the blazer and cravat required for entry into the member’s enclosure, then be reassured that Boris Johnson’s old stomping ground is holding a second frighteningly lah-de-dah event this season.
The Henley Festival is the anti-Glastonbury of outdoor shindigs, mixing food, opera, and the potential for plenty of charming strolls along the river.
Singing sensation Hayley Westenra headlines tomorrow night (July 12), with The Proclaimers bringing their romper-stomping Scottish guitar pop to town on the Sunday.
The programme is crammed with support acts from music, to performance, to comedy. Ed Byrne and the venerable Punt and Dennis provide some solid stand-up, along with a set from every grandma’s favourite, Radio 4 anchor Sandi Toksvig. And if that all sounds a bit strait-laced you can catch the Junkanoo Backline Carnival Band or the Bikini Beach Band (men in skirts, sadly).
If you need some nosh, the normal festival kebabs and vegetarian curries are making way for French catering courtesy of the famous Albert Roux in the Riverside Restaurant.
Truly a festival you can take your dad to.
www.henley-festival.co.uk.
