The Henley Jazz Festival 2026

25th, 26th & 27th September 2026 | Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Henley Jazz Festival takes place across three days and five unique venues in the heart of Henley-on-Thames. Featuring world-class jazz artists, riverside cruises, swing dancing and late-night jam sessions, it is one of the most exciting new jazz festivals in the UK.

Venues

The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames | Henley Town Hall Ballroom | The New Orleans Mississippi Paddle Steamer, River Thames | Purdy's Pop Up, Henley-on-Thames | Oakengrove Vineyard

 

Friday 25 September 2026

Clare Teal – Jazz, Swing & Other Things!

Venue: The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames

One of Britain's most beloved jazz and swing vocalists, Clare Teal brings her acclaimed show Jazz, Swing & Other Things! to the Kenton Theatre for the opening night of Henley Jazz Festival 2026. With a voice that effortlessly spans tender ballads and high-energy swing, Clare has built a remarkable career performing at the world's greatest venues, headlining Ronnie Scott's, the BBC Proms, and major festivals across the UK and beyond. A BBC Radio 2 presenter and multiple award-winner, Clare is one of the most versatile and charismatic performers on the scene today.

Joe Webb Trio

Venue: Purdy's Pop Up, Henley-on-Thames

Pianist Joe Webb is an extraordinarily gifted musician who has emerged as a leading force on today's global jazz scene. Born and raised in Wales, Joe Webb is now touring the world with his trio of Will Sach on bass and Sam Jesson on drums, and has been seen on tour as special guest with Jools Holland and as pianist with the Wynton Marsalis Quartet. His album Hamstrings & Hurricanes (2024) was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. "An extraordinary young pianist" — Jools Holland. "Insanely talented" — Jamie Cullum.

Buena Bristol Social Club – A Night in Havana

Venue: Henley Town Hall Ballroom, Henley-on-Thames

Buena Bristol Social Club is a vibrant 10-piece live band celebrating the timeless music of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, infused with Bristol's unique musical spirit. Led by Cuban trumpeter Michel Padron, the band brings together exceptional UK and Latin musicians including pianist Jim Blomfield and vocalist Luisa Santiago to recreate the golden era of Cuban son, bolero and salsa. Each performance is a shared celebration where audiences connect through rhythm, movement and atmosphere.

 

Saturday 26 September 2026

Riverboat Shuffle – Adrian Cox Quartet

Venue: The New Orleans Paddle Steamer, River Thames, Henley-on-Thames

Enjoy the infectious energy of clarinetist Adrian Cox and his musicians aboard Henley's very own Mississippi-style paddle steamer the New Orleans. As you sail the tranquil Thames, enjoy a drink and the glorious river view whilst listening to the authentic sounds of New Orleans jazz pioneered by legends such as King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton and Sidney Bechet. Originally from Sussex and now resident in Sweden, Adrian Cox tours the world as the leading exponent of a clarinet style rooted in the rhythms of New Orleans. "Indisputably one of the best clarinetists in the world!" — Jamie Cullum. "A true virtuoso" — The Jazz Mann.

Joe Stilgoe

Venue: The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames

Joe Stilgoe is an internationally acclaimed British jazz singer, pianist and songwriter, known for blending old-school swing with modern charm and wit. A consummate chart-topping artist and charismatic live performer, he has released multiple albums and toured globally. Joe is also a renowned musical theatre composer and popular broadcaster for the BBC and Jazz FM, and recently collaborated with Hannah Waddingham at the opening of the BAFTAs. Son of the legendary Richard Stilgoe, Joe and his mighty trio are the greatest entertainers.

The Big Band Swing Dance

Venue: Henley Town Hall Ballroom, Henley-on-Thames

A vibrant swing-era jazz ensemble from the Bristol area, co-led by guitarist and vocalist Denny Ilett and trumpeter Jonny Bruce. An all-star outfit drawn from the local jazz community, known for bringing classic big-band jazz to life with energy and enthusiasm. The group specialises in big swing repertoire evoking the sound and dance-floor feel of the 1930s and 40s, with arrangements influenced by legends like Harry James, Duke Ellington and the swing greats.

Liane Carroll

Venue: Purdy's Pop Up, Henley-on-Thames

Liane Carroll is one of the most highly respected jazz vocalists and pianists in Britain today. Winner of Best Vocalist and Best of Jazz at the BBC Jazz Awards, Musician of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, and a BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to music. Her albums Up and Down, Ballads, Seaside and The Right to Love have all received four-star reviews from The Guardian and The Observer.

 

Sunday 27 September 2026

A Salute to Satchmo – Enrico Tomasso plays Louis Armstrong

Venue: The New Orleans Paddle Steamer, River Thames, Henley-on-Thames

Trumpet star Enrico Tomasso and his band perform aboard the Mississippi paddle steamer The New Orleans for an afternoon cruise along the River Thames. As a former protégé of Louis Armstrong himself, Enrico presents a deeply personal tribute to his idol and mentor. Five-time winner of the British Jazz Award for best trumpeter, Enrico met Louis Armstrong at age 7 in 1968 and the two became firm friends until Armstrong's passing in 1971.

Sentimental Journey – Denny Ilett & Rebecca Poole with a 17-piece All Star Big Band

Venue: The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames

The directors of the Henley Jazz Festival present the grand finale of the weekend with a 17-piece all-star big band. Denny Ilett and Rebecca Poole take you on a journey through the Great American Songbook. Think Julie London and Frank Sinatra — a celebration of a golden era and the closing of a golden jazz festival.

Festival Allstars – The Final Jam

Venue: Purdy's Pop Up, Henley-on-Thames

The Festival Allstars brings together Joe Webb on piano, Adrian Cox on clarinet and Enrico Tomasso on trumpet, joined by an all-star rhythm section for a spontaneous late-night jam session to close the festival weekend.

 

About Henley Jazz Festival

Henley Jazz Festival is a brand new jazz festival taking place 25–27 September 2026 in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Co-directed by Maia Rainsford and Rebecca Poole, the festival celebrates the full breadth of jazz — from New Orleans traditional to big band swing, Cuban son to contemporary piano jazz — across five unique venues in one of England's most beautiful riverside towns.

Henley Jazz Festival | 25–27 September 2026 | Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire | thehenleyjazzfestival.com

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The Henley Jazz Festival 2026 | Official Line-up and Event Details

Welcome to the official digital archive and schedule for the Henley Jazz Festival, returning to Henley-on-Thames from September 25th to 27th, 2026. Directed by professional jazz guitarist and Guitar Worldcontributor Denny Ilett, this year’s festival brings world-class jazz, blues, and swing to Oxfordshire.

Our 2026 program features a spectacular range of performances across iconic local venues including the Kenton Theatre, the 606 Club residency, and various riverside stages. Highlights of the 2026 Festival Line-up include the acclaimed Electric Lady Big Band, celebrating the music of Jimi Hendrix through a jazz lens, alongside intimate sets from renowned vocalists and instrumentalists.

Whether you are looking for Jazz Guitar Lessons in Henley, big band arrangements, or the best live jazz in the UK, the Henley Jazz Festival is the premier destination for music lovers this September.

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