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Henley Festival: Black-tie event celebrates 40 years

Getty Images Sir Tom JonesGetty Images
Sir Tom Jones will play the Oxfordshire festival on Friday

Henley Festival has opened in celebration of its 40th year.

Sir Tom Jones is among headline acts at the event, which takes place in Henley-on-Thames and runs until Sunday.

To celebrate the festival's milestone anniversary, organisers have launched a charitable initiative - RISE - aimed at nurturing new and local talent.

A 40th anniversary concert, with Katherine Jenkins and Jack Savoretti, will close the black-tie event.

Other acts set to play include The Script, Craig David, Boney M, DJ Pete Tong, Jules Buckley and the Heritage Orchestra, plus comedians Jo Brand and Maisie Adam.

Getty Images Katherine JenkinsGetty Images
Katherine Jenkins will appear at a special 40th anniversary concert that will close the festival on 10 July

The RISE initiative will see up-and-coming young musicians, comedians and visual artists showcase their talent at the festival.

Organisers said: "We feel it's our mission to nurture the next generation of creative talent, especially after the devastating effect of the pandemic on the cultural sector."

Danny O'Donoghue from The Script
The Script (lead singer Danny O'Donoghue pictured), Craig David, Boney M and DJ Pete Tong are also booked to play at the black-tie event

Last year's festival was held in September after being postponed for 12 months in July 2020 and again in March 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The festival, which was first held in 1982, attracts about 25,000 people each year.

Henley Festival Boy George at Henley Festival in 2019Henley Festival
The festival is set on the banks of the River Thames and features a floating stage
Getty Images Jo BrandGetty Images
Comedian Jo Brand will also perform at the festival, which runs until Sunday
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