Elton John is Henley Festival's first headliner

Henley Festival 2016

Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th July 2016
on the river banks, Henley On Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1AH, England MAP
from £35 depending upon event

Daily capacity: 6,000

Last updated: Tue 28th Jun 2016

Elton John has announced he will be the opening act at this summer's Henley Festival at Henley On Thames.

The 34th edition of the festival by the Thames takes place from Wednesday 6th until Sunday 10th July 2016, culminating in a firework spectacular.

The pop icon will make his festival debut performing on the Floating Stage on Wednesday 6th July 2016, showcasing tracks from his new album, 'Wonderful Crazy Night' due out on 5thFebruary 2016. Elton John’s performance at Henley will be one of only five concerts in the UK next year.

Elton John has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, he holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time, has had 37 gold and 27 multi-platinum albums, and has played over 3,500 concerts across 80 countries.

With festival goers dressed in black tie and Michelin starred food on offer, Elton John’s performance on the River Thames to 7,000 festival goers will be the most exclusive night of the year, his performance will be followed by a 15 minute firework display along the river.

Elton John said, "The simple truth is I want to spend more time with my family, and I am only too aware of just how precious the time ahead is. My sons are growing up so quickly; their early years are just flying by and I want to be there with them. So these concerts will give me the chance to thank the British audiences who have been so faithful to me over these many decades. We cannot get to everyone but I am going to try – and I am thrilled that I will be able to say I have played the beautiful Henley-on-Thames."

Charlotte Geeves, Henley Festival Director commented, "We are extremely excited to be able to announce that the world’s most famous pop star will be headlining Henley Festival for the first time. Henley Festival goers are huge Elton John fans so he can expect a very warm welcome when he plays at Henley. It’s definitely going to be a night to remember and we can’t wait for him to open the festival in July."

In 2016 Henley Festival will be shaking up its festival format offering one of the most diverse and exciting line ups of the festival season. Festival goers can expect both young upcoming talent and some of the biggest names in the business across music, comedy, food, visual arts, street theatre and late night revelry.

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Tickets are priced from £35 and go on sale at 10am today.

All proceeds will be going to The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts.

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