London Music Festival: He was always going to pull in the crowds. Although I didn’t expect to see Ronan Keating fans arriving at the Henley Festival quite so early.
But that’s exactly the sight that greeted us as we arrived at this year’s event finale – a core of ‘superfans’ who had guarded their front-row spaces on the green for more than 15 hours.
Although I was keen to see the Irish crooner, I can’t say that I was that dedicated.
Just like these fans, though, we had decided to come on the last day of the five-day event which always boasts an eclectic line-up like no other festival.
Set in the stunning town of Henley-on-Thames, about an hour’s drive from London, the festival is wonderfully quintessentially British.
It’s been running since 1983 and attracts crowds of more than 20,000 every year – and, wandering around the delightful riverside lawns, it’s easy to see why it continues to be so popular.
Firstly, there are the world-renowned artists – such as this year’s Will Young, Nigel Kennedy or Bryn Terfel – then there’s the dress code – black tie for the men; evening gowns for the ladies and, not lastly, all profits are given to charity.
These aspects alone give the festival a completely different atmosphere to other music events.
As we walk around the grounds, the sun is shining on the River Thames, as yachts of all sizes float nearby – with those on board sipping champagne and eating cheese so that they too can be a part of the festivities.
There are works of art dotted about on the green – such as Ben Platt-Mills’s unique mermaid sculpture and James Golding’s impressively huge table and chairs made from a single redwood tree.
There’s also a White Horse sculpture by Pamina Stewart which is up for sale for £8,750.
And there are portable galleries where guests can buy unique paintings from modern artists such as Susan Elliott and Sarah Wiseman.
Although there are the ‘headline’ acts, the festival boasts more than 50 performers – from singers and dancers, to street comedy and musicians.
There are five main ‘stages’ –the Dixie Ticklers will be playing at the Bandstand while the Mandolinquents will be at the Club Rendez-Vous; Arno Carstens will be on the Floating Stage while Rainer Hersch Philharmonic Orchestra will be at the Riverside Cabaret – so we really are spoilt for choice.
There’s also entertainment between the main events such as the Fine Artistes who improvise comedy and street theatre while ‘wearing’ famous paintings.
One of my favourite acts was Lance And Brenda – a lively dancing duet playing homage to the music of the Sixties – while the ‘human jukebox’ was a novel idea.
For those who fancy quaffing a glass or two of bubbly while relaxing on a deck chair, watching the world go by – they are at the right place.
The Veuve Clicquot Terrace offers champagne and dining, while the Grand Marnier Water’s Edge Bar means you can sip on bubbly while overlooking the river.
We decide to eat before Ronan takes to the stage and have a stroll around to look at what’s on offer.
Heston Blumenthal’s Hinds Head At Henley has less formal dining, Roux At The Riverside is hosting a five-star experience, while the Cafe Du Soir – where we opt for – offers a range of light dishes and a lovely European wine list.
Just as we finish our meal (a delicious starter of provencal tapenade, sunblush tomatoes, olive oil and balsamic with sourdough; then mains of mussels in a white wine sauce with chips and grilled goats cheese salad), there’s a murmuring from the crowd and we’re told to make our way to the floating stage, where Ronan Keating is about to perform.
The superfans are pleased to have retained their positions directly in front of the stage – but there’s plenty of room for everyone to see the singer.
Alongside the singer on stage are his band, including violists, and his co-singer.
Former Boyzone member Ronan doesn’t disappoint, belting out his famous hits such as Rollercoaster, When You Say Nothing At All – and he has the crowd swaying to If Tomorrow Never Comes.
We’ve Got Tonight is my favourite – and he now has everyone is the seated areas waving their arms side to side in unison.
With his dulcet tones still belting out, we take a stroll around the idyllic setting of the festival and then decide to head home, with the superfans’ chants for their idol still ringing in our ears.
To book:
The Henley Festival will be taking place next year between July 6 – 10, 2001. To find out more visit www.henley-festival.co.uk.
Carol Driver
Carol Driver is a journalist with more than 20 years' experience - most recently as Femail Editor at MailOnline. Carol is currently a freelance journalist, writing for national newspapers and magazines in the UK. She also offers PR services to business. Carol also writes travel reviews - including hotels and resorts. ...(Read More)