programme of events - Saturday 12 July 2008

Between the hours of 11.30am - 2.00pm take your pick.

The Festival Enclosure opens its doors to the free Art Event, and the Festival’s resident company takes to Henley’s town centre for Streets Alive!

Family Concert
Later, at 2pm, the Henley Festival Family Concert at Christ Church, Henley features the Festival’s brand new orchestra and the Henley Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets for the Family Concert are available through Henley Festival Trust. Call 01491 843406 for tickets.

Gala Performance featuring Hayley Westenra and Nicky Spence, with the CBSO conducted by Nicolae Moldoveanu

A concert of huge contrasts starring Hayley Westenra, the New Zealand born prodigy and a true singing sensation, with a crate full of platinum discs; and a list of credits that includes duets with the likes of Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras and Bryn Terfel and audiences that have included the Queen (three times in one week!) and George Bush.

With the CBSO conducted by Henley regular Nicolae Moldoveanu, the concert also features Scottish tenor Nicky Spence, "The Voice of Scotland", the Drum Blondes and a special preview of late night show, Auto Auto!

sponsored by:

Ed Byrne

Ed Byrne is in the premiere league when it comes to stand up comedy. Surrender to a sublime hour in the hands of the Irish master ...

"You’ll laugh so much that laughing will become more normal than breathing" - The Stage

sponsored by:

John Williams and John Etheridge (guitars)

The two Johns have played at the top of the classical and jazz/contemporary worlds for more than two decades. They bring their enticing combination of classical and steel-string guitar to Henley with the promise of stunning results.

Auto Auto!

A ‘one car samba’ featuring actor-musicians Christian von Richthofen and Kristian Bader ... and an Opel Kadett. You won’t have seen anything like this before ... seriously.

Photos: Anna McMaster

Spaghetti Swing

Italian style, Italian swing ... and Italian spaghetti, all served up by a master of the jazz vocal and pasta preparation Fred Brindisi and his colourful band.

The Zoe Rahman Trio

Described in The Observer as "one of the finest young pianists in Europe", Zoe Rahman has firmly established herself as an unquestioned star on the contemporary jazz scene. Her most recent album, 'Melting Pot', was short-listed for the 2006 Nationwide Mercury Prize.

The Bikini Beach Band

A great fun band playing Surf Guitar music together with the Hula Honeys resplendent in grass skirts. Simply great fun.

"I want their autographs!" Noel Gallagher

Firework finale featuring the Ceremonial Drums of Dulsori (Korea)

With a spectacular firework backdrop, Korean master drummers Dulsori present a mighty barrage of ancient rhythms imitating sounds heard in nature.

sponsored by:

Junkanoo Backline Carnival Band (Bahamas)

As the firework finale fades away, the joyous musical expression of a 30 piece Bahamian carnival band, complete with magnificent costumes.