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Writer's pictureCaroline Matthews

Henley Festival - ‘It’s been the highlight of my summer social calendar’




With the annual occasion of Henley Festival now in full swing, I’m once again reminded of what it is exactly, that makes this event such an institution… and the highlight of my summer social calendar!


I pondered the evidence for this statement for several hours - intent on finding a different set of reasons to last year, as to why this event hits different to so many others of its genre.


The best explanation I could come up with, is that it feels like a microcosm of some alternate, halcyon reality.


A glamorous, life affirming amalgamation of all that is joyful and uplifting, neatly packaged into one, balmy summer’s evening… and tied with a ribbon.


If you ask me, it’s not just the river views, nor the delicate humdrum of Whispering Angel fuelled laughter and conversation. It’s also the art, the music, all foregrounded in sparkling evening gowns, crisp white collars and bow ties.


I have to say... the giant onion bhaji by Spice Merchant (pictured below), is also up there as a particular (if unexpected) highlight from this year’s event.


Woven throughout this rich entertainment tapestry, are the golden threads of spectacle and amusement. Of slapstick, circus and carousel, all of which add to that overwhelming sense of marvel, that defines the Henley Festival experience.



In these times where ‘awe’ has become a popular health buzzword (owing to its potential to humble and uplift), it’s no wonder I find myself more attuned to these ‘wow’ moments than ever.


Among the most noteworthy of them - seeing Gladys Knight perform ‘License to Kill’ live for the last time in the UK.


The fireworks.


Seeing Charlotte Campbell perform live ‘en plain air’ on the Salon Quarter Stage!


Rylan!!


On a more nuanced scale, it was the fairy-light-adorned boats idling whistfully in the moonlight, closely followed by those giant bubble sculptures - lit up like imposing, spherical Christmas Trees - a hypnotic kaleidoscope of pink-green-blue against the night sky.


To say you have to see it to believe it, is an understatement, but equally, you probably have to believe in the power of awe… to see it.




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