Henley Festival has announced a glittering line-up across five nights of world-class talent from the worlds of music, comedy and more, with headliners including Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Matteo Bocelli, Jamie Cullum and Hacienda Classical.
The The UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, runs from July 9-13 and tickets go on sale on Thursday February 6.
From pop, world, classical, folk and jazz, plus comedy, cabaret, art galleries and sculpture installations, roving performers, dining, drinks, dancing and fireworks, 2025’s line-up looks set to dazzle.

Who can beat Diana Ross opening Henley Festival on the iconic Floating Stage accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, featuring her timeless hits, including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Stop! In the Name of Love, Upside Down, I’m Coming Out, and many more?
Or McFly playing hits from their breakthrough single Five Colours in Her Hair to 2023’s full-force rock album Power to Play, the past 21 years seeing the band reach seven number one singles, seven Top 10 albums, multiple platinum certifications and a Brit Award for Best British Pop.


One of the most sought-after musicians in the world of dance music, world-renowned saxophonist Ellie Sax returns with her trademark vibrant energy, unique style and seamless blend of classical training with dance music at the festival’s late night club.
Throw in iconic singer-songwriter Rick Astley alongside an epic big swing band playing his hits such as Never Gonna Give You Up, one of his eight consecutive UK Top 10 hits, sell out tours and brilliant come back.


One of the UK’s most influential radio DJs Jo Whiley will fill the Festival’s club – Pure Heaven – with festival anthems for late night revellers, while the mind blowing musical experience Hacienda Classical will open Saturday night’s Floating Stage performances, combining the spirit of the club with the timeless sounds of classic dance tracks.
Global music sensation Matteo Bocelli will take to the stage as part of his European 2025 tour Summer Nights, having performed at some of the world’s biggest concert venues (such as Rome’s Colosseum and Sydney Opera House.


Rounding up the festival is globally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Cullum, known for his unique blend of jazz, pop, and rock, renowned for his dynamic stage presence and prodigious musical talent, Cullum’s breakthrough album Twentysomething, make it one of the UK’s best-selling albums of all time.Â
Renowned saxophonist YolanDa Brown will be filling Pure Heaven with beats from her monumental tribute show, the Bob Marley Songbook, in celebration of what would have been the legendary reggae artist’s 80th birthday.


Comedy lovers will enjoy acclaimed comedian Ivo Graham, TV favourite Ed Byrne, political comedian and satirist Matt Forde and observationist Rob Auton.
Include dining, cabaret, fireworks, art, food and so much more, and Henley Festival 2025 looks set to go off with a bang. For more info or to book go to https://henley-festival.co.uk/articles/our-2025-floating-stage-headliners/