Henley Festival anniversary on the horizon

The incredible job of transforming the Regatta site into a magical setting fit for a festival has now begun. And, there is still time to buy tickets, particularly for the weekend of the 13th-15th July. This year the festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary, with a glittering array of music, dance, comedy street theatre and some of the best fireworks ever, especially commissioned for the occasion.

Over 300 artists will be performing during the week and the weekend is one of the delightful contrasts - from breathtaking opera on the Friday, an anniversary Gala Celebration of pure Henley classical magic on the Saturday through to an '80s party night on the Sunday. These are just the floating stage spectactulars - in addition to Main Stage concerts, festival-goers will be treated to some incredible performances by the likes of Sir Willard White, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Rainer Hersch, the Monks of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastry and lots of wandering street theatre 'silliness'.

Bobby Lamb who leads the Trinity College Big Band has performed at the festival every year since its beginnings. He says, 'What makes the festival extra special is the variety of musical presentations, the incredible atmosphere, the chance to be glamorous and to wine and dine in style against a sparkling riverside backdrop'.

During any of the five nights, audiences will be treated to a party bag full of contrasting events on whichever night they attend. As always, one ticket gives access to six timetabled events each night (as well as the visual art galleries and ad hoc fun with the festival's company of Roving Eccentrica). On the Friday night, visitors can see the great operatic singer Sir Willard White; then extraordinary Italian physical comedian Ennio Marchetto; the brand new hip-hop aerial ballet, Luved Up; Barcelona-based latino-reggae band Go Lem System; jazz from the Pete Letanka Trio; top stand up comedy from Mitch Benn; a huge firework finale AND the evening's main event with international opera stars Joseph Calleja and Tatiana Lisnic with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

The festival runs from 11 to 15 July. For tickets contact the Box Office on 01491 843404 or book online at www.henley-festival.co.uk.