Henley Festival Henley Festival The Henley Festival of Music and the Arts is held, at Henley on Thames, each July, on the Berkshire bank of the River Thames, at the same spot and using adapted facilities from the Henley Royal Regatta, which is held the week before. The main stage floats on the river and the audience use one of the grandstands. Each evening it normally features a light classical music concert, with jazz later in the evening. There are other smaller stages, art exhibits, roving performers, outdoor restaurants, etc. Performers during 7–11 July 2010 include Nigel Kennedy, Bryn Terfel and Will
Henley Royal Regatta three days in 1886, four days in 1906 and five days in 1986. The regatta has been known as "Henley Royal Regatta" since 1851, when Prince Albert became the first royal patron. Since his death, every reigning monarch has agreed to be the patron. At the regatta’s inception it was intended for amateur oarsmen rather than those who rowed professionally. In 1879 Henley produced its first formal definition of an amateur: In 1884, amateur status for overseas oarsmen was put on the same basis as for home oarsmen, thus ending the concession on racing for money prizes. By 1886 a