Enjoy Henley from your sofa

THIS year’s Henley Festival can be enjoyed from your sofa – if the drive-in option isn’t for you. Organisers announced a digital alternative to the event last week as they revealed an evening concert will take place on Sunday, July 12, from 7.30pm9.30pm.

The two-hour live stream, filmed from Berkshire’s Hurley House Hotel, will feature performances from artists Will Young, Beverley Knight and comedian Rory Bremner.

Preparing to perform some of his classic hits including Love Revolution, Joy and Light my fire, popstar Will Young said: “It’s a pleasure to be able use a home filmed show, the band and I have been working on during lockdown for Henley, a place I’ve performed in and loved.

“I grew up not too far from there, so it is almost a virtual home-town show.”

Meanwhile Rory Bremner is rehearsing some new topical material.

He said: “As a guest in previous years I have grown to love the atmosphere and diversity of the many talents on show at the Henley Festival so it is a great pleasure to add a little something back with this year’s digital event.”

Performances from classical pianist Hao Zi Yoh, and number one Jazz musician Joe Stilgoe will also be enjoyed by festival-goers.

Tickets for the digital concert start from £10.10, with all sales going towards next year’s event.

CEO of Henley Festival, Nick Mattingley said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer a digital version of Henley Festival for 2020 with some of the UK’s best loved performers.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to experience the festival from the comfort of their homes.”

The rest of this year’s Henley Festival will take place in the form of a drive-in car park party and run for three nights from Thursday, July 9 until Saturday, July 11.

Entertainment will include live standup shows, an American drive-in movie experience and car park Karaoke.

For more information about the event or to buy tickets for the car park party or virtual concert log on to www.henleyfestival.co.uk.