What is the dress code for the festival?
The Henley Festival has a formal Black Tie dress code. We ask all guests to be part of the Henley Festival show, remember you can never be over dressed at Henley – think dinner jackets and bow ties, long or short evening wear, glitz and glamour! Dark lounge suits, evening trousers and smart jumpsuits are also acceptable. Casual attire including, denim and leather clothing, trainers and informal footwear, are not permitted and you will be refused entry to the event.
The only time we have no Black Tie dress code is for the Playdate, our children's Festival.
Is there a lower age limit for the festival?
Yes – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday is 16+ yrs, and Sunday is 12+ yrs. Those under 18 yrs old must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Please see Challenge 25.
Sorry, babies are not allowed on the festival site. The only exception is Playdate! @Henley Festival, our Children’s daytime event, where all ages between 0 – 100 are very welcome!
What time do the Henley Festival gates open?
The Henley Festival gates will open at 5 pm.
What time do the Henley Festival gates close?
Wednesday – 12 midnight
Thursday – 12 midnight
Friday – 1am
Saturday – 1am
Sunday – 11.30pm
What time is the latest I can arrive at the festival?
Providing you have an e-ticket, you can arrive at any time between opening and closing times.
What happens if it rains?
The show (and the festival) goes on! There are many covered areas within the enclosure, if you are on the Lawn or have a General Admission ticket, bring a raincoat! Umbrellas are not permitted within the Festival enclosure.
What can we bring into the festival site?
You are not permitted to bring food and drink inside the festival enclosure, there will be an array of options for drinking and dining at the festival. Picnics are welcome in the car parks, please see important parking information for further details. Rugs and seating may not be brought into the festival enclosure.
Can I get a replacement wristband if I lose it on the night?
Wristbands are issued on the night, upon presentation of your e-ticket, as you enter the enclosure. Your wristband must be worn for the duration of the evening, you will not be offered any replacement should you remove or lose it. Any wristbands that have been tampered with or taken off become invalid and you will be asked to leave the event. You do not need a wristband for Playdate, our children's Festival.
What time are the fireworks?
See individual days for firework timings.
What is Challenge 25?
In line with our Terms and Conditions please find out more about our Challenge 25 policy here.
Can I just book a restaurant table or do I need an e-ticket for the festival too?
To reserve a table in one of our pre-bookable restaurants, each person must also have a valid General Admission, Lawn or Grandstand e-ticket for that evening.
Do you permit smoking or vaping at the Festival?
Smoking and vaping is not permitted within any of our restaurants or covered venues. For reasons of proximity and for the comfort of all ticket holders, smoking and vaping is not permitted within the Grandstand or Lawn auditorium. Smoking and vaping is permitted within all other uncovered areas of the festival enclosure.
Can I apply to work at the Festival?
Please check our Work With Us page for any open vacancies.
What is the difference between a Grandstand, Lawn or General Admission ticket?
Good question! We offer various ticket options for you to experience Henley Festival:
Grandstand – (Premier, A, B, C and Accessibility) access the Festival enclosure and also enjoy the Floating Stage concert from an allocated, undercover seat or wheelchair space in the Grandstand. These tickets are priced according to the view (in varying degrees) of the Floating Stage.
Lawn – (Premier, A, B, C, Restricted View and Accessibility) access the Festival enclosure and also enjoy the Floating Stage concert, under the stars in an allocated seat or wheelchair space on the Access viewing platform. These tickets are priced according to the view (in varying degrees) of the Floating Stage.
General Admission – a perfect way to enjoy the events, performances, restaurants and bars around the site – a great ticket if you want to wander around. Please be aware that this is not a ticket suitable for viewing the Headline Floating Stage concert and will not give access to the Lawn or Grandstand seats. General Admission ticket holders may be able to hear the concert and may be able to see the stage from a distance, but this is not guaranteed. General Admission tickets are not available on Sunday evening.
What are the ticket prices?
Please check the Ticket Pricing Page
What time can I enter the Festival site with my ticket?
The Festival gates will open at 5pm.
How do I receive my E-Tickets?
When tickets become available, you are welcome to download or print off your e-tickets from your Henley Festival Customer Account.
Does everyone in my party have to have their own E-Ticket?
Yes, Everyone must have their own individual e-ticket ready to be scanned at the front gates (or by the river if arriving by a pre-booked Festival enclosure mooring).
Do I have to keep my e-ticket with me when inside the festival?
You will need to keep your e-ticket with you throughout the night, particularly for the Floating Stage concert as Lawn and Grandstand ticket holders will need their seat and row number. You may be asked by security to show your e-ticket at any point during the evening.
Can I get a replacement e-ticket if I've lost it or forgotten to bring it to the event?
It is important that you download your e-ticket and keep it safe and remember to bring it to the event with you either on your smartphone or paper copy. E-Tickets will not be replaced for new ones under any circumstances.
What can I do with a spare ticket?
The Box Office is unable to help customers with the re-sale of any spare e-tickets.
For 2024, we have partnered with TicketSwap as our official ticket reseller. If you are no longer able to use your General Admission, Lawn or Grandstand standard ticket, please sign up to TicketSwap and list your ticket for sale on their platform.
If you are experiencing issues selling your tickets, please reach out to the TicketSwap support team.
Where is the Henley Festival Site Box Office?
Box Office is signposted and located on the left hand side towards the festival entrance gates.
I want to book an e-ticket next to friends for the concert but don't know where they're sitting, can the Box Office tell me?
Due to data protection laws we will not be able to give out any information relating to a customer and/or their order.
Can I buy e-tickets on the night?
Yes you can buy any available e-tickets throughout the festival week, either on line or at the Box Office during opening times.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and Visa Debit cards. Please note that we do not accept American Express.
How much is the booking fee?
Booking fee is 6.5% of the value of each festival ticket.
Can I swap/upgrade/sell back/sell on my tickets?
As per our Terms and Conditions, tickets are non-returnable, transferable or refundable.
For 2024, we have partnered with TicketSwap as our official ticket reseller. If you are no longer able to use your General Admission, Lawn or Grandstand standard ticket, please sign up to TicketSwap and list your ticket for sale on their platform.
If you are experiencing issues selling your tickets, please reach out to the TicketSwap support team.
Can I go on a waiting list for tickets?
To be fair to everybody, we do not hold a waiting list. However, you can join a waitlist for tickets on our Official Reseller's platform, TicketSwap. Register here.
Can I get a discount for group bookings?
Henley Festival has a charitable trust and for this reason, we do not offer discounts.
Do you provide Corporate Hospitality Packages?
We have an array of Corporate Hospitality packages to offer which can be purchased (subject to availability), for more information please email hospitality@henley-festival.co.uk
What time does the Floating Stage concert start?
Check individual day What's On pages for exact timings.
Can I see the Floating Stage concert with a General Admission e-ticket?
Depending on where you stand you may see the stage, although we cannot guarantee this and we therefore, do not sell this as a concert e-ticket. Entry to the Lawn or Grandstand areas for the Floating Stage concert is not permitted with a General Admission e-ticket.
I want to go down to the Lawn from the Grandstand, Can I?
No, the Lawn is an area with allocated seating and you will not be able to move from the Grandstand to the Lawn (or vice versa). Please make sure you choose the correct e-ticket for your requirements.
Can I bring a camera / recording equipment?
The unauthorised use of camera, audio and video equipment is not permitted anywhere within the Festival enclosure.
Is food available at the Festival?
We have 3 pre-bookable restaurants Restaurants | Henley Festival (henley-festival.co.uk) which need to be booked in advance of the Festival, 1 non-bookable restaurant where you can turn up on the night without a reservation and a wide variety of grazing options Grazing | Henley Festival (henley-festival.co.uk) which are open from 5pm until half an hour before the close of the Festival each day. Please see Restaurant FAQs below for all restaurant queries. Visitors are not permitted to bring their own food and drink into the Festival although you are welcome to bring refreshments for under 3’s and children with any dietary allergies on Playdate Sunday. Picnics can be enjoyed in the car park.
Where do I collect my Pavilion Picnic from?
Pavilion Picnics collection point will be located close to the main entrance gate of Car Park 1.
By foot
Guests are welcome to take their picnics to enjoy on the lawn of Car Park 1, if coming to the festival on foot.
By car
Guests are welcome to take their picnics in Car Park 1/Blue Badge/VIP (prebooked only) or Car Park 2 (prebooked and on the night sales on the gate of car park 2).
How can I make a restaurant reservation?
You can book online Henley Festival Box Office (henley-festival.co.uk) by selecting the day and then the Restaurant or by calling the box office on 01491 843 404.
What time do we need to be seated if we have booked a table in one of the restaurants? This is currently shown as number 1 but needs to be number 2 with the red wording as well.
On Wednesday – Saturday we ask you to be seated between 6.00 and 6.30pm and on Sunday we ask you to be seated between 5pm and 5.30pm.
What time do the restaurants open?
Wednesday-Saturday 6pm, Sunday 5pm.
Can I choose where I sit in the restaurant?
We will try to accommodate all catering requests but cannot guarantee they will be fulfilled.
Can I join a friend’s table but book separately?
Please e-mail carolyn@henley-festival.co.uk with your request and we do our best to accommodate you.
Can I just book the restaurant or do I need a ticket for the festival too?
You need to have purchased a ticket for the festival before making a restaurant reservation. There is no entry to the restaurants without a Festival ticket.
Can we stay at our table during the concert? If so, can we eat during the performance?
Yes. Please ask guests to arrive by 7.30pm in The Terrace Restaurant. They are welcome to stay at their table throughout the concert but their meal will be finished by approx. 9.30pm.
Can we return to our table for coffee/desert after the concert?
Yes. Guests in The Terrace and Riverside Restaurants can return to their tables after the concert on the Floating Stage for dessert, coffee and drinks. Guests in the Riverside Canteen can return to their tables for coffee and drinks.
How do I complete my menu choices?
To do this please log on to your Henley Festival account by visiting the Henley Festival website: www.henley-festival.co.uk and click on the ‘my account’ button at the top of the page. If you haven’t accessed your account this year then follow the instructions to get a new password.
When you have logged on, please look on the right hand side at ‘my restaurant bookings’.
Click on the ‘View My Selections’ button which takes you to the page where you can ‘edit diner’ and add the name and e-mail address of each guest. Once you have added their details you can either complete their menu choices and dietary requirements for them or click on the ‘Guest Invite’ box at the bottom of the page. There is a dropdown menu where you can select ‘yes, please send guest invite by email’. Then click the ‘Update Selection’ box.
Can I send each of my guests the menu for them to complete?
Yes. Once you have added their name and e-mail address, click on the ‘Guest Invite’ box at the bottom of the page. There is a dropdown menu where you can select ‘yes, please send guest invite by email’. Then click the ‘Update Selection’ box. They will then be able to complete their choices which will be sent back directly to Henley Festival Catering.
What food will I be offered if I have special dietary requirements?
We cater for most special dietary requirements, these should be made clear when selecting your choices. Menus with alternatives for gluten free, dairy free and vegan can be provided when requested.
Can I pre-order my wine?
Yes. When you have logged in to your restaurant bookings you will see a box ‘pre-order items’. You can select and pay online so the drinks will be waiting for you at your table on arrival. There is a greater choice of wine when pre-ordering as opposed to choosing on the night, so pre-ordering wine is advisable.
What is the wristband for?
Each guest will be given a wristband to wear on arrival at the restaurant. This is to enable you to return to your table throughout the evening and make sure that only guests who have booked to dine at the restaurant have access.
If you have any more questions or queries, please email carolyn@henley-festival.co.uk
We have a variety of Accessibility Tickets available for Henley Festival. To avoid disappointment on the night, it is important to make Box Office aware of any wheelchair accessibility requirements in advance of booking Festival e-tickets. For advice and bookings please contact the Box Office on 01491 843404 or email access@henley-festival.co.uk
Are Assistance Dogs permitted at the festival?
We welcome working guide dogs and assistance dogs to Henley Festival. Please be aware that during each night of the festival, we hold a large fireworks display after the headline concert on the Floating Stage.
There is no fireworks display provided for our Sunday daytime children’s festival, Playdate!
If you are going to watch the headline concert on the Floating Stage and would like us to help you to find the most suitable seating available, please contact Lucy on 01491 843 404 (during opening times).
The two areas we offer are the LAWN (ground level/open air) or the GRANDSTAND (mainly undercover, raised staircase access/steep tiered rows with wheelchair lift available from ground level to walkway on Row D)
Some of our seats can be easier to access than others and we would like to offer you the best seating experience possible, which includes a happy dog too!
Do you have Disabled Access?
Wheelchairs are welcome at Henley Festival. To comply with emergency evacuation procedures we ask that wheelchair users only book a dedicated wheelchair space for the Floating Stage concert. Unfortunately, due to the unique structures the festival inherits, ‘The Terrace Restaurant' and Hospitality's ‘Upper Pontoon' are not suitable for wheelchair users. Henley Festival Ltd cannot take any responsibility in unattended wheelchairs and owners leave them entirely at their own risk. If you wish to see the Floating Stage concert, please make sure you have booked either the Access viewing platform on the Lawn or an allocated wheelchair space in the Grandstand. Please call the Box Office on 01491 843404 to make your booking.
Can I hire a wheelchair on the night?
We are unable to offer wheelchairs for hire.
Do I need a Blue Badge for Disabled Access Parking?
You will need to pre-book and display your Blue Badge for disabled access parking.
Do you provide seats for Personal Assistants?
We want our Accessibility guests to be able to enjoy Henley Festival to the full. If help is needed to enable this to happen, you are welcome to bring a Companion/Personal Assistant. We have a limited number of complimentary tickets available to those who qualify. Please contact the Box Office on 01491 843404 or email access@henley-festival.co.uk for further assistance.
How do I buy a car parking pass?
Up to the 9th July 2024 you will be able to purchase a car park pass, subject to availability, online or through the Box Office.
Car Park 1 = £40.00 (subject to availability)
Car Park 2 = £25.00 in advance/£30.00 during Henley Festival Dates
Blue Badge = Free (subject to availability)
During Festival week you are welcome to purchase a car park pass, either in advance online, subject to availability, or at the gate of Car Park 2.
When do the Car Parks open?
Each evening the car parks will open from 4pm.
On Playdate, our children's Festival, Car Park 1 will open at 9.30am and we ask that all cars be removed by 2pm. Free parking is available for Playdate only.
Can I choose where I park?
If you have booked in advance you will be directed to either VIP, Car Park 1 or Car Park 2, please check your Car Park E-Ticket for details. Once there you will be directed to an available space. Festival guests who wish to purchase a Car Park Pass on the night should follow directions to Car Park 2 only.
How Do I Get To The Car Park?
CAR PARK 1, VIP, PATRONS, ARTIST PARKING & BLUE BADGE PARKING
If you are travelling from the M4/A404 onto the A4130 follow signs to Henley Festival . Continue down White Hill and turn right at Leander Way. From there you will be directed by parking attendants where to park.
If you are travelling from Reading, Marlow or Oxford come into Henley town centre and follow signs to Henley Festival. Go over Henley Bridge and turn left into Leander Way. From there you will be directed by parking attendants where to park.
CAR PARK 2 & ON THE DAY SALES
If you are travelling from the M4/A404 onto the A4130 follow signs to Henley Festival. Take the first main right (signposted Car Park B) after the petrol station onto Remenham Church Lane and follow signs to Car Park B.
If you are travelling from Reading, Marlow or Oxford come into Henley town centre and follow signs to Henley Festival. Go over Henley Bridge and continue straight up White Hill. Turn left (signposted Car Park 2) onto Remenham Church Lane and follow the signs to Car Park 2.
What can we bring to the Car Park site e.g. gazebo/table and chairs/tent/food and drink?
You are welcome to enjoy a picnic in the car parks and you are able to bring outdoor furniture if required – gazebos, tables and chairs must be dismantled and removed the same evening. Henley Festival take no responsibility for any items left in the car park. Please note that if you are using space next to your car, you must purchase an additional car parking space in advance. If you need more than 6.8m x 2.9m, you will need to purchase additional space. Additional Car Park 1 passes sell out quickly and are not available to purchase on the night, these MUST be booked in advance. You will only be able to pay for additional Car Park 2 passes on the night.
What type of vehicle can we bring?
Festival standard sized car parking spaces are approx. 6.8m x 2.9 m, please be prepared to pay for extra spaces in relation to the size of your vehicle and area required for picnics. If you need more than 6.8m x 2.9m, you will need to purchase additional space. On the night you will be directed to a suitable position.
Can we leave our vehicle overnight, if so, until what time the following day?
You can leave your vehicle in the car park overnight (at your own risk) until midday the following day, Sunday included. Henley Festival cannot take any responsibility for vehicles left in the car park.
Can we sleep in our vehicle in the car park overnight?
We do not allow overnight stays in any car park.
Can I bring a boat?
Limited moorings within the Henley Festival enclosure are available to purchase, all subject to availability, and are for the exclusive use of festival e-ticket holders only. All guests on board must be in possession of their own valid festival e-ticket and abide by the Black Tie dress code. Mooring positions are allocated by Henley Festival and cannot be chosen by the customer. Available moorings must be paid for at the time of booking. Following on, you will be contacted by the Henley Festival Mooring Dept. and will be asked to complete and return a mooring form. As stated in our Terms & Conditions, moorings are not transferable.
How much are mooring prices?
2024 mooring prices can be found here
Can we be dropped off and collected by boat?
We do not have any drop off and collection points within the Festival enclosure.
If I use a crew, do they need a special pass or tickets?
If you have crew, they will need to be in possession of a Henley Festival Crew Pass. Please email the Mooring Dept at moorings@henley-festival.co.uk for further help.
What are the mooring departure/arrival times?
Boats with pre-booked moorings may arrive from 3pm on the day of their booking and must leave by midday the following day. You are not permitted to stay on your boat overnight.
When can we get access from our boat to the festival enclosure?
Access to the Festival enclosure will only be permitted from 5 p.m onward.
Can I get into the festival from the river bank?
You can only access the festival from the riverbank if you have a pre-booked allocated Festival mooring. A valid e-ticket must be shown and a wristband must be collected from one of our river stewards positioned along the towpath.
Can I go to and from my boat throughout the event?
Yes, you can access your boat throughout the evening – you must retain both e-ticket and wristband to re-gain access to the festival.
Can I sleep on my boat?
No, we do not allow overnight stays on boats.
What is the address for the Festival?
Henley Bridge
Henley-on-Thames
RG9 2LY
Can you recommend overnight accommodation?
Please contact Henley Tourist Office for advice – 01491 576982.
Can you camp at the festival?
No – there are no camping facilities at the festival.
Can you recommend Taxi Services?
Please contact Henley Tourist Office for advice – 01491 576982.
How far is Henley Train Station from the festival entrance?
We are situated just over Henley Bridge and the walk should take no longer than 15 minutes.
How far is the Henley Festival from Henley Town Centre?
Henley Town Centre is approximately a 15 minute walk away.
What is PLAYDATE @ HENLEY FESTIVAL?
Playdate @ Henley Festival is a daytime children's Festival. Fun-filled with music, comedy, visual and performance art for our younger audience. Entry to the evening festival event is not included.
Free parking is available between 9.30am and 2pm for Playdate @ Henley Festival only.
What time does it open and close?
Playdate @ Henley Festival opens at 10am and closes at 1.30pm.
Do you have discounted tickets?
We offer a Senior ticket at a reduced price, and a group ticket for up to five people, one of whom must be under sixteen years of age. Under 3's go free. Please choose your tickets carefully, the group Ticket is very good value and can be used by up to 4 full paying adults.
The Limited Edition RG9 Season Ticket is not valid for Playdate @ Henley Festival!
Will food and drink be available at Playdate @ Henley Festival!?
Food and drink will be available to purchase within the enclosure. Visitors are not permitted to bring their own food and drink into the enclosure, although you are welcome to bring refreshments for under 3's and those with special dietary requirements. Picnics can be enjoyed in the car park.
Do I need to pay for parking?
Free Parking in Car Park 1 is only available to visitors attending Playdate between 9.30am and 2.00pm. There is a designated Blue Badge holder car park close to the festival entrance.
When does the car park open/close?
On Playdate the car park opens at 9.30am and closes promptly at 2.00pm.
Is there a dress code for Playdate @ Henley Festival!?
No, unlike Henley Festival, there is no dress code for Playdate @ Henley Festival! – come as you are!
Can I bring my dog to Playdate @ Henley Festival!?
Sorry, dogs are not permitted inside the enclosure. Registered Assistance dogs are more than welcome to accompany Accessibility visitors.
