Treasure Trove of Behind The Scenes

As the curtains rise on the extravaganza of Henley Festival each year, audiences are treated to an incredible array of performances, culinary delights, and immersive experiences. Yet, what many festival-goers may not realise is the intricate web of preparation that happens behind the scenes. Nestled in the heart of these preparations lies Sheeplands storage, a treasure trove housing everything from the expected to the completely unexpected.

Picture a space where you could find anything your heart desires – from vintage sofas to lampshades, and even Elton John’s landline from his legendary performance at Henley Festival in 2016. Among the myriad of items, you’ll find everything needed to cater to the whims and necessities of the crew and artists during Festival week.

For the crew needing a caffeine boost to help them get through their long days setting up each venue ready for 5 pm when the gates open, our coffee machines are perfectly stored away, ready to set up and serve during Festival week! Over 25 sets of mirror balls stand at the ready, waiting to decorate our entertainment area. And what’s Henley Festival without a splash of luxury? We’ve got over 100 Egyptian cotton towels in every colour you can imagine, waiting in the wings for the artists’ on-stage performances.

But it is the ‘special’ requests from the floating stage artists that truly add to our trove of random items at  Sheeplands Storage. Take, for example, the bespoke carrot juicer designated for a particular Floating Stage performer, meticulously chosen to meet their daily carrot juice needs. But it doesn’t end there; we’ve stocked six emergency irons with accompanying ironing boards, recognising that one might not be quite enough for some artists’ standards. Another notable addition is the top-of-the-range humidifier, requested by a prominent floating stage star to maintain peak vocal condition for their stellar performances. Vintage sofas offer a moment of relaxation before stepping into the spotlight, while specifically shaped mirrors provide a final glimpse before taking the stage. Our inventory also encompasses essentials like copious amounts loo roll, fans, bars ready to serve you at the Festival, glassware, tablecloths, spare office furniture, lampshades, tweed cushions, gold-legged tables with marble tops…and that only just scratches the surface of our extensive catalogue.

As the festival unfolds and the site comes to life with performances from iconic artists like Shirley Bassey, Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Jones, and many more, spare a thought for the unseen heroes behind the scenes. From the crew tirelessly setting the stage to the artists delivering unforgettable performances, each relies on all the secret treasures we have stored at Sheeplands Storage.

We wonder what special requests and additions we will make this year from our Floating Stage Artists!