news & press releases 2009

September 2009
'Roots Up'

'Roots Up' is our spoken word project with young people from NOMAD this term with final gig at the Magoos Bar , Henley on Thames in late October, date tbc. NOMAD is the charity for young people on the fringe or at risk.

details

July 2009
Fab Four close 2009 Henley Festival

Sunday night, 12 July, saw the Henley Festival go out in style - with a party hosted by the Bootleg Beatles, top quality comedy from the ever-hilarious Jo Brand, a musical tribute to Dudley Moore by the legendary Ronnie Scott's Allstars, jazz from spoof world music band Mundo Jazz and - a first for a Festival Sunday night - high wire walking, atmospheric fiddle playing and an 11 metre diamond bursting from the river bathed in beautiful lights! A truly memorable last night for 2009.

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July 2009
Henley Festival brings Streets Alive!

Saturday saw some incredible happenings in Henley's Market Square. Thanks to the Henley Festival shoppers were treated to a free show of street art and music.

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July 2009
Very public display of Henley Festival supersize art

Henley Festival's spectacular supersize art project for schools, 'Rings Around the World', created a real stir down by the riverside when the fruits of several months' work got their public viewing during Festival time. The 10 giant murals provided a unique and colourful addition to this year's Festival

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July 2009
The Henley Festival - ready to go!

With the Regatta now well underway, The Henley Festival, which follows hard on its heels, is gearing up for a terrific 5 days of music, art, comedy, street theatre and spectacle.

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July 2009
Very public display of Henley Festival supersize art

Henley Festival's spectacular supersize art project for schools, 'Rings Around the World', will be creating a real stir down by the riverside when the fruits of several months' work get their public viewing during Festival time. The 10 giant murals will provide a unique and colourful addition to this year's Festival and will be appreciated by all who walk along the river.

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July 2009
Jo Brand - exciting addition for Henley Festival

Last minute programme change sees "best female comic in Britain" perform on the riverbank.

A last minute programme change at The Henley Festival sees the fabulous Jo Brand appearing at the Sunday night Riverside Cabaret (12th July). Says the Festival's Artistic Director, Stewart Collins, "I love it when we can deliver last minute surprises like this - and this one is pretty much as good as they get. Jo Brand is a hugely popular comedienne and a genuine household name: in fact I see that the Daily Mirror has hailed her as the 'best female comic in Britain'. Given that she is absolutely the last act on at this year's festival, we really will go out with a bang!"

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June 2009
Festival's Salvador Dali Exclusive - UK first on the riverbank

The Henley Festival, running from July 8th - July 12th 2009 is delighted to announce that, in an exclusive partnership with Dali Universe, it will bring 2 large bronze sculptures by Salvador Dali to England for the 5 day Festival. The over life-size (2.5m) 'Surrealist Piano' will be seen in this country for the very first time, while the monumental (approx 4m high) 'Woman Aflame' (Femme en Flamme), rarely exhibited, will be new to many people.

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June 2009
Henley Festival welcomes Friday Night is Music Night for the first time

Organisers of this year's Henley Festival are delighted to announce that BBC Radio 2 will be recording the Festival's Friday night concert on 10th July 2009. It will be broadcast in August as a special 'Friday Night is Music Night', the regular Friday night celebration of all things musical.

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June 2009
Sir Michael Parkinson Interview

On Friday 10th July, Sir Michael Parkinson will be hosting Henley Festival's main stage concert. He kindly agreed to give us an interview about his appearance at the Festival.

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May 2009
Puccini's 'music from the heart' crowns this year's Henley Festival

With one night's main stage concert given over to Puccini, The Henley Festival 2009 looks set to excel itself with a performance of pure operatic indulgence on Thurs 9th July. Sung by internationally renowned soloists Rebecca Evans, Gwyn Hughes Jones and George von Bergen, together with the Joyful Company of Singers, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and the Festival audiences' favourite conductor Nicolae Moldoveanu, it is no surprise that the Box Office is reporting only a few of the best grandstand seats are still available. The emotional pull of some of the world's greatest arias are promised - from La Bohème, Tosca, Madame Butterfly and Turandot, amongst others.

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May 2009
Summer Holiday Musical Theatre Workshop

Henley Festival brings you a Summer holiday musical theatre course with a difference. Working with a professional director, musical director and choreographer from London's West End, you will go from script to stage in just five days. Free entry for family and friends to the final day performance on Friday afternoon.

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May 2009
Fun at The Henley Festival

No-one can say The Henley Festival 2009 isn't doing its bit to help raise spirits this summer, with a fun and fabulous programme that is guaranteed to tickle even the most reluctant sense of humour. And with the main performances all in place, the Festival's Artistic Director, Stewart Collins is currently putting the finishing touches to 3 gems that are bound to delight loyal Festival-goers and Festival virgins alike!

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April 2009
REBECCA POOLE interview 27/4

We recently caught up with local girl and a rising star, singer-songwriter Rebecca Poole, who will be performing at this year's Henley Festival on 8th July. And it has to be said that even on a grey Monday it is hard to imagine a more charming and sparkling person to talk to!

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April 2009
Friday Night's the Night - For John Barrowman at The Henley Festival

With John Barrowman's new TV series for BBC1, 'Tonight's the Night', currently gaining a huge fan base across the country, the best news is he'll be performing live at this year's Henley Festival. Fans can still buy tickets for John's performance on Friday 10th July, where he'll headline a show on the Festival's Floating Stage enticingly called 'Pure Gold from the Silver Screen'. Other luminaries on the stage with John that night are presenter Sir Michael Parkinson and leading lady Kerry Ellis, currently heading the cast as Elphaba in Wicked. The concert will be recorded by BBC Radio 2.

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April 2009
Fascinating Aïda - on the road to Henley Festival

"Well, we did it! We got the show up and running, we recorded it, we nearly died of exhaustion, but we're out on the road now and having huge amounts of fun." Fascinating Aïda

The Organisers are delighted to be welcoming multi-award winning comedy trio, Fascinating Aïda to The Henley Festival. Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman will be performing in the intimacy of the Club Marquee, bringing their new touring show to the riverbank at 10.45pm on Thurs 9th July.

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April 2009
Henley Festival 'Rings Around the World' project for schools recognised by London 2012

The Henley Festival's spectacular supersize art project for schools, 'Rings Around the World', has been officially recognised by London 2012 through its Inspire programme - in recognition of its outstanding quality and innovative links to the London 2012 Games. 'Rings Around the World' is this year's SHOUT! outreach programme for schools, run and funded by the Henley Festival's charitable arm, the Henley Festival Trust.

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April 2009
Three Mo' Tenors - on Exclusive Visit to England for The Henley Festival

"Step aside Luciano, Placido & José, there are new kids in town.." New York Times
"..lively and unexpectedly moving show" The New Yorker
"Crazy, sexy, cool" HX

Three Mo' Tenors are an African-American trio of phenomenal tenors who sing opera fit for Covent Garden or La Scala. They also sing blues, soul, gospel, Broadway, spirituals and jazz with huge warmth and style, while breaking into Temptations-style choreography. "Crazy, sexy, cool", as one New York publication called them. This visit to Henley is the only time they'll perform in the UK this year and it marks a very rare visit to England.

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March 2009
Behind the glamour a unique opportunity - Henley Festival offers real benefits to local businesses

The Henley Festival is well-known to its patrons for its glitz and glamour, as a 'must-do' summer event and a glorious party offering some of the very best in international arts and entertainment.

But strip back the obvious and you find something very special - a high profile arts Festival that exists in order to give back to its community.

This spirit, coupled with a unique and personal approach to giving sponsors what they require, provides real benefits to local companies wishing to be at the heart of the community and aligned with one of the best-loved arts festivals in the country.

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General Programme news

March 2009
Henley Festival Box Office Fully Open

The Henley Festival's box office is open for business to personal callers from 30th March, with personal callers welcome to drop into the Festival offices at Friday Street, Henley-on-Thames, to order their tickets and pick up more information. The box office's phone booking service is also available on 01491 843404 both between 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday. You can also find more information and book tickets via our website www.henley-festival.co.uk

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March 2009
Enjoy a great laugh every night - at this year's Henley Festival!

If laughter really is the best medicine - and even doctors agree this is true - then The Henley Festival's Artistic Director, Stewart Collins, clearly has the welfare of his audiences in mind. 2009 may not be the most light-hearted year on record in the world at large, but Stewart has planned brilliant comedy performances for every night of this year's Festival to delight and lift everyone's spirits.

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February 2009
Tickets Go On Sale - for The Henley Festival!

It's a hugely cheering thought that with spring just around the corner the Henley Festival programme has been announced and its Box Office is about to open. And that spells summer! Tickets can now be booked by email, on line or through the post, so Festival-goers can start enjoying the anticipation and begin planning their visit. Revel in a glorious programme of stellar performances on the Floating Stage, from the likes of Katherine Jenkins, Sir Michael Parkinson, John Barrowman, the Bootleg Beatles, a quartet of international opera stars in a Puccini evening presented by James Naughtie, and a UK first, Broadway magic from the rave-reviewed Three Mo' Tenors.

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February 2009
Henley Festival toasts 2009

Henley Festival held a lunch for its supporters at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on Wednesday (11th Feb). This is the first time a Festival Preview event of this size has been held in the region and the concept has been voted a great success.

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February 2009 - updated
If you do one thing this Summer ... make it The Henley Festival!

It's a hugely cheering thought that a night at Henley Festival can provide a whole summer's worth of glamour and excitement. For an evening or two, strap on your party shoes and revel in a glorious programme of stellar performances on the Floating Stage, from the likes of Katherine Jenkins, Sir Michael Parkinson, John Barrowman, the Bootleg Beatles, a quartet of international opera stars in a Puccini evening presented by James Naughtie, and a UK first, Broadway magic from the rave-reviewed Three Mo' Tenors.

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News for Music journalists

February 2009 - updated
Music for Summer Nights by the Thames

The Henley Festival 2009 offers a whole summer's worth of musical class and excitement between 8-12 July. With a spectacular range of music to choose from each night, visitors can revel in a glorious programme of stellar performances on the Floating Stage and the Festival's more intimate venues.

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Henley Festival & the Social Calendar

February 2009 - updated
Designer evenings with the Stars

For many on the social scene, 2009 looks like being a quieter year than some. So it's wonderful to know that for an evening or two you can still strap on your party shoes and revel in a glorious programme of stellar performances, quirky humour and downright glamour that is The Henley Festival. Sandwiched between Wimbledon and the Henley Regatta on one side, and the Proms on the other, The Henley Festival 2009 presents, on its Floating Stage, Katherine Jenkins, Sir Michael Parkinson, John Barrowman, the Bootleg Beatles, a quartet of international opera stars in a Puccini evening presented by James Naughtie, and a UK first, Broadway magic from the rave-reviewed Three Mo' Tenors. And that's just the beginning ...

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News for Travel journalists

February 2009 - updated
Music, fireworks and glamour by the River Thames

Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, a town that is special all year round, becomes extra special in July. Straight after the famous Royal Regatta comes one of the country's biggest and best-loved Arts Festivals - between 8 and 12 July. With the very best in entertainment set against the magnificent backdrop of the River Thames, there's no better time for a break away. Visitors to the Henley Festival can expect a star-studded programme for 2009, including Floating stage performances from the likes of Katherine Jenkins, Sir Michael Parkinson, John Barrowman, the Bootleg Beatles, a quartet of international opera stars in a Puccini evening presented by James Naughtie, and a UK first, Broadway magic from the rave-reviewed Three Mo' Tenors.

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News for Corporate Hospitality publications

February 2009 - updated
Corporate entertaining hits the high notes at the Henley Festival 2009

The Henley Festival is a fail-safe way to entertain clients, create sales incentives or offer the team a well-earned reward. One Festival night can provide a whole summer's worth of glamour and excitement with stellar performers like Katherine Jenkins taking to the Floating Stage. The Festival takes place the week after the Regatta, between 8th and 12th July, and is now one of the biggest, best-established and best-loved Arts Festivals in the country. Visitors to the 'party of the year' can expect the best in classical music, jazz, opera, comedy, dance, street theatre, rock and firework spectaculars, all accompanied by quality wining and dining in a breathtaking setting on the banks of the River Thames.

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Henley Festival Trust News

March 2009
The Henley Festival's music in schools event a great success

Two local primary and two local secondary schools got together recently to present a performance of the work designed to hone their music-making skills - and all thanks to The Henley Festival. The event was held at Christ Church, Henley-on-Thames on 20th March. In the run up to the performance, music workshops were led by Andy Baker (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) and Joby Burgess (percussion specialist) and funded by The Henley Festival. The creative music project was designed to extend a Henley Festival outreach project that saw murals created in 10 schools at the end of last year. Schools who took part in Friday's performance were: Langtree School, Woodcote (yr 11 GCSE music students), Gillotts School Henley (yr 10 music students), Shiplake Primary, and Crazies Hill Primary, Wargrave.

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March 2009
Local Schools are Dancing Round the World

Thanks to The Henley Festival, 6 local primary schools have just completed a world-inspired dance project which culminated in a Dance presentation at Gillotts School, Henley-on-Thames on 11th March. Dance workshops took place earlier this term in the run up to these performances and were led by The Dance Movement, a community dance company based in Farnham, Surrey.

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February 2009
Music brings hope to brain injured - thanks to the Henley Festival

In the past few years there has been increasing excitement in the music world about the positive health benefits that music making can provide. So it is was with real interest that Henley Festival's Artistic Director, Stewart Collins, and Community Project Manager, Mandy Beard, proposed - in the teeth of the current economic recession - to renew the Festival's commitment to provide music therapy for clients at brain-injury charity Headway's Thames Valley centre.

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October 2008
Henley Festival Orchestra inspired to greater things

On Sunday 5th October, members of the Henley Festival Orchestra met together in Henley-on-Thames for the first of a series of 'Inspiration Days' planned for the year leading up to the Festival in July 2009. Led by Andy Baker, animateur with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Henley Festival Orchestra played together for the first time in this academic year and began discussing and sampling their musical direction for the run up to July 2009.

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September 2008
Henley Festival's SHOUT! project takes on the World

During the week of 29th September-3rd October, the Henley Festival Trust's schools' outreach project (SHOUT!) will once again offer young people a glorious way to become involved in the arts. Over this academic year (Sept '08 to July '09), the Trust will organise and pay for a spectacular mural-making project, 'Supersize Art', involving local schools. Ten murals will be created on canvases 20' x 6', one in each of the 10 participating schools.

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More news

November 2008
Henley Festival Artistic Director takes National Chair

Henley Festival's Artistic Director, Stewart Collins, has just been elected Chair of the British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA). In this position he will represent the UK's festivals when talking to government committees, the Arts Council, overseas festivals and festival organizations. He will also be in charge of advising the country's festivals on how to survive the current credit crunch and looming recession.

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October 2008
Henley Festival 2008 breaks box office records!

With the summer festival season beginning to wind up, the autumn is a time of evaluation for many Festival Directors before programming starts in earnest for next year. We talked recently to Stewart Collins, Artistic Director of Henley Festival, about the success of this year's event.

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