Ronan Keating at the Henley Festival July 2010

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Henley Festival runs from July 7-11

Friday 18th June 2010

HENLEY Festival “makes a performer of everyone” as revellers dress up and bask in the splendour and sparkle alongside a high profile line-up of musicians.

Will Young kicks off the festival on Wednesday July 7, followed by Bryn Terfel the next night, Nigel Kennedy, Symphonic Queen and Ronan Keating takes headline stage on the final evening.

Alongside the music there is comedy, dance, street theatre, rock and firework spectaculars.

Organisation for the festival begins 15 months before. Creative Director Stewart Collins said: “The headliners are always the biggest challenge. Firstly they are in great demand.

“Secondly its the money. We are a relatively big festival in some sense with 4,500 people a night but then put it against big rock festivals which hold thousands and it makes it more difficult.

“There is not question the festival itself has a great reputation. The artists, management and record label all come along. They get looked after and have a great time.

“It is the whole atmosphere of the festival. It is such a beautiful place.”

This black tie event on the banks of the River Thames is in its 28th year. It is a not-for-profit organisation.

Collins added: “The financial environment we are in is not brilliant. The way to react to that is to not to cut back but to go larger in appealing to even more audiences.

“So in fact the line up this year is the highest profile we have ever had.”

There is a range of taste for everyone with a mix of pop, classical, opera and jazz music. He said: “I liken it to a Greek or Spanish meal. There are lots of flavours. We have the classical, the comedy, the visual art.

“It has a sense of elegance with people dressing up and the sheer beauty of it. Initially when I first came to the festival I thought it wasn't a good idea and people are going to feel excluded.

“But then I saw people coming through the gates and everyone was sort of in fancy dress. Every person who comes in makes an effort and it makes people feel great. People love being in their best togs. It makes a performer of everyone.”

Collins said the tickets are priced as cheaply as possible and is excellent value as guests can enjoy seven to eight hours of entertainment.

The Henley Festival Trust works all year to provide experiences of the arts for the young, talented and under privileged of all ages.

The Trust funds a year round music therapy service for the brain injury charity Headway, and SHOUT!- education projects in schools in and around Henley.

It funds its own 'start-up' children’s orchestra, the Henley Festival Orchestra, and supports young, up and coming performers and artists across the board.

This year there is the addition of Heston Blumenthal’s Hinds Head at Henley, offering a chance to sample classic British dishes at affordable prices.

There is also a new venue called Club Rendez-Vous for people to get up and dance late at night. The festival takes place from July 7-11 in the evening. Tickets are available now from £35, for more information and tickets please see www.henley-festival.co.uk or call the box office on 01491 843404