The festival, which started on Wednesday July 8 and running until July 12, saw Boy George and Culture Club open, bringing their Grammy Award-winning hits to Henley-on-Thames.

Culture Club, which shot to international stardom in the 1980s, has sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

The Sugababes, who had recently made a comeback with their original line-up, are due to perform on Thursday (July 10).

The group, formed in 1998, was known for its six Number One singles and multiple multi-platinum albums. 

Jo Whiley, a staple of British music, is also performing on Thursday.

Known for her deep connection to the 90s music scene, Jo’s 90s Anthems show is sure to deliver a nostalgic trip down memory lane with hits from Oasis, Blur, and The Prodigy.

Saturday will see Blur’s Alex James take to the stage with Britpop Classical, a concert that combines 90s anthems with the power of an orchestra.

Rounding out the festival on Sunday are the Bootleg Beatles, who will take attendees on a journey through the 1960s with their tribute to the iconic band.

The festival also offers a range of dining options, from fine dining at the Terrace Restaurant to gourmet street food.

The Riverside Restaurant offers a new fine-dining experience.

Henley Festival, the UK’s only black-tie festival, had been held on the banks of the River Thames since 1982.

It was known for its world-class music programme, comedy, art galleries, and sculpture installations.

The festival’s charitable programme, RISE, champions the next generation of creatives, providing paid opportunities to learn, perform, and gain real industry experience.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal stopped by yesterday (Thursday, July 9), in a visit arranged by the Oxfordshire Lieutenancy.

This was to mark a significant chapter in the history of one of England’s last remaining family-owned Victorian tower breweries.

Schoolchildren lined the route as Her Royal Highness arrived at the main entrance on Brewery Lane, where she was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM.

READ MORE: Catholics argue Jeremy Clarkson ‘crossed a line’ in Clarkson’s Farm

Princess Anne visits Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire. (Image: www.daydreamequineart.co.uk)

The Hook Norton Brass Band played as Mrs Glasgow presented the chairman, Mr Jonathan Paveley, and Managing Director, Mr James Clarke, alongside a group of schoolchildren reflecting the brewery’s longstanding connection with the local community.

The visit held particular significance as Her Royal Highness last visited Hook Norton Brewery in 1999, when she unveiled a plaque that now stands in the Visitors Centre.

During today’s visit, she passed that same plaque before touring the brewery’s museum, retail facilities, restaurant, Engine Room and the newly restored Stable Courtyard.

The Princess Royal met staff, directors, local representatives and community figures during her tour.

These included Banbury MP Sean Woodcock and Oxfordshire County Council Chair Ted Fenton.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle ‘vows never to see Royal Family again’ in ‘revenge plot’

Princess Anne visits Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire. (Image: www.daydreamequineart.co.uk)

Also in attendance were the Chair of Cherwell District Council, Nigel Simpson, and the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Mr Jawaid Malik.

In the Stable Courtyard, Her Royal Highness met those involved in the brewery’s recent restoration project following the devastating fire in 2024, before proceeding to the stables to meet Hook Norton’s three celebrated Shire horses, Balmoral, Brigadier and Cromwell.

She was accompanied by representatives of the Shire Horse Society.

The visit concluded with Her Royal Highness unveiling a new plaque to mark the restoration, signing the visitor’s book and receiving a gift and posy.

Mr James Clarke, managing director of Hook Norton Brewery, said: “It was an absolute honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to the Brewery.

READ MORE: Michael Caine’s £9m riverside Oxfordshire manor taken off the market

Princess Anne visits Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire. (Image: www.daydreamequineart.co.uk)

“The occasion was to celebrate the Brewery’s 175th Anniversary, delayed by the stables fire in 2024.

“As well as a celebration of the Brewery, it was also very much a celebration of community and the Brewery’s longstanding relationship.”

Speaking after the visit, Mrs Glasgow said: “Hook Norton Brewery is one of Oxfordshire’s great treasures, and it was a real honour to welcome The Princess Royal back, nearly 27 years after her last visit, to see how it has continued to thrive.

“Her Royal Highness took a genuine interest in everyone she met, from the brewery’s long-serving staff to the schoolchildren who came to welcome her, and that warmth was very much felt by all present.

“Days like this remind us of the important role our historic institutions play in the life of a community, and we are delighted that the Oxfordshire Lieutenancy was able to arrange such a memorable occasion.”

Lewis Baker, 35, of Tadmarton, Milton Keynes, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court today (July 10) to 15 months’ imprisonment and a driving disqualification of ten years.

Baker pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving and was found not guilty by a jury of one count of causing death by dangerous driving.

On September 9, 2023, Baker rode his motorbike through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire at dangerous speeds for sustained periods of time.

READ MORE: Oxford – Albanians guilty of attack outside kebab shop

His riding often exceeded 130mph on A roads and at times it exceeded 160mph, putting himself and other road users at serious risk of harm.

Baker himself stated to the courts that he had driven like a “menace”.

Senior investigator, Philip Hanham of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Dangerous riding puts lives at risk and can have the most devastating consequences.

“Baker’s riding was appalling and is the worst I have seen on a motorbike in all my 30 years as a police officer and investigator.

“Baker showed total disregard to the law, other road users’ safety.

“On day of this appalling riding, Baker was filming his dangerous riding with the intention of sharing with others. This showed his intent to ride in the dangerous manner that he was rightly sentenced for today.

“This case serves as a stark reminder that everyone who uses our roads has a responsibility to do so safely. Dangerous behaviour can and does change lives forever.”