AN IMPRESSIVE line-up of stars have been announced for this year’s Henley Festival Summer Fling - three epic pop-up parties that will take place ahead of the main event.
Promising music fans a “carnival-style party like no other”, Henley Festival’s Summer Fling will feature fabulous dance bands, celebrity DJs, roving entertainers, and a few surprises.
More than just a musical extravaganza, this is the ultimate experience for food lovers alike.
Henley’s Summer Fling will also be transforming into a vintage fun fair filled with street food, bars – a Moet Champaign Garden – and even a Champagne slushy machine.
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The Summer Fling kicks off on Thursday, July 8, with London-born Jamaican band Maroon Town whose tracks mix high energy Jamaican ska and reggae with rap, Latin, funk and soul, followed by an 80s classic DJ set by Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp.
On Friday, July 9, audiences are in for a treat as taking to the stage will be former Ministry of Sound (and classical) musicians Johnny Cash Converters who swapped their campfire singalongs for dance music.
Their twist is to play dance anthems in a country style, with a touch of funk.
English Radio DJ and Television Presenter Jo Wiley will also present an unforgettable DJ set of huge anthems.
Ending the party with a bang on Saturday, July 10, is one of the finest live acts in the UK – The Bikini Beach Band.
Dubbed ‘London’s Kings of Surf-Noir’ by NME, The Bikini Beach Band are leading exponents of instrumental surf guitar music and will provide audiences with original funky, Surf-Noir guitar instrumental twangers of the highest Mexican order.
Concluding the evening is an insane set of live DJing with the one and only Trevor Nelson MBE.
Jo Bausor, CEO of Henley Festival, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing the party back to Henley and invite everyone to come along and celebrate the return of live events and have a fabulous evening with us.”
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Henley Festival was established 39 years ago as a classical music charity event and is the UK’s only black-tie festival.
It continues to run as a non-profit organisation, supporting charitable projects at both a national and local level.
Henley’s Summer Fling will run from July 8 to 10, ahead of the main festival which will take place on the riverbank in Henley-on-Thames from September 15 to 19, with a spectacular line-up including seminal British pop band Madness, multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter James Blunt, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, legendary Kathy Sledge, Sara Cox and more.
General admission tickets from £50 (aged 12+).
For all ticket information visit the festival website - summerfling.henley-festival.co.uk.
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