Henley Festival: Not just for grownups!

I’ve been a fan of the Henley Festival for years. After the rowers and crowds leave Henley Regatta, the grounds turn into a spectacular art and music festival. Adults don their finest (it’s a black tie event) and around every corner their is something magical to explore.

There’s always a headline performance (ala Elton John or Elvis Costello) with several sub acts, such as legendary blind guitarist Jose Feliciano. If you’re lucky you may be privy to a guest appearance in an intimate setting – like Will Young’s impromptu performance of Light My Fire. In-between roving performers and creative installations keep you amused and challenging your inner artist.

This year I found myself in an in-depth conversation with the creators of A Voyage Around My Bedroom, an art installation/performance (an outdoor “bedroom” in a glass box in a field) which offered a new way of looking at the world, so that the everyday and the mundane (pink pyjamas) appear extraordinary and new. You had to be there.

We also caught the ultimate thinking person’s rock idol, Elvis Costello, who had the whole audience up dancing to Watching the Detectives.

Theresa May even found time in her busy (ahem) schedule to go this year.

What’s great news for families is that kids can experience the magic too – with a Sunday afternoon programmed especially for family fun. 

We had great fun with vocal artist Shlomo, who used his sound mixing skills to teach us all how to beat box! The girls are still practising their hi-hats.

There was an array of children’s entertainers, musicians, comedians, magicians and street entertainers that will make memories to last a lifetime. From watching a mad scientist electrocute audience members and cheering on their favourite superheroes, to hearing the adventures of an old seadog, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all ages while parents can relax in the stunning festival grounds.

There was an array of children’s entertainers, musicians, comedians, magicians and street entertainers that will make memories to last a lifetime. From watching a mad scientist electrocute audience members and cheering on their favourite superheroes, to hearing the adventures of an old seadog, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all ages while parents can relax in the stunning festival grounds.

The girls loved the day and I loved that they were able to experience Henley Festival.

Britain’s most dangerous scientist, Science Blast, who will put the brain ache in Brainiac with a show filled with explosions, fire, danger and the chance to electrocute your parents! Three of planet Earth’s greatest superheroes will be battling head to head for the title of ‘Most Supreme Superhero…

The lighthouse keeper will be inviting everyone into The Little Lighthouse, showing animated films of his adventures and entertaining families all day with his vast arsenal of comic stories and anecdotes about kippers, guillemots, oyster smacks and the never ending menace of bird’s mess!