LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

“These are days that I will remember,” Jamie Cullum sang as dusk settled over the Thames. Chandeliers glimmered aboard moored yachts, cocktail dresses shimmered in the evening breeze, and the river reflected every glint of gold. It was a lyric, a mood, and a promise all at once – and Henley Black Tie Festival delivered in spectacular style. I was here with my mum’s best friend and we were to make them the days of our lives.

Henley is not just a festival; it is an immersion into a Jazz Age fantasy. For four nights each summer, the world’s only black-tie music festival transforms the riverbank into a scene straight from The Great Gatsby: champagne flowing, silk gowns rippling, tuxedos sharply tailored, and laughter echoing against the water. The Thames becomes a mirrored stage where elegance, music, and theatre collide.

Champagne, Pimm’s, and Prelude

The evening began with champagne flutes raised in quiet anticipation. Guests mingled along the riverbank before drifting into the lantern-lit Bedouin tent. Pimm’s flowed, artisanal pizzas were passed, and Kavella’s soulful vocals set a languid, intoxicating tempo. The scene was pure cinematic glamour – an elegant warm-up for the night’s floating-stage spectacle.

From our premium front grandstand seats, we were joined by Roger Smee, former Chairman of Reading Football Club, his son-in-law Mark Cosgrove Smith, and his wife Leonora. Together, we raised a toast as the sun cast molten gold across the Thames. Nearby, we met a gardener responsible for the immaculate grounds of Cliveden House—a place forever entwined with the intrigue of the Profumo Affair—and his wife, whose elegance seemed to have stepped straight from Gatsby’s 1920s soirées.

Matteo Bocelli: Romantic and Spellbinding

The first act of the evening, Matteo Bocelli, the dashing son of Andrea, captured the audience from the moment he appeared. Singing in both English and Italian, his tenor floated effortlessly between classical grandeur and contemporary pop. From “You’re Just Too Good to Be True” to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect”, his voice threaded through the crowd like a whispered confession. Guests swayed under the river-lit sky, spellbound by the intimacy and precision of each note.

“His voice is extraordinary,” I whispered to Leonora, and she nodded, eyes closed, letting the music carry her across decades and continents.

Jamie Cullum: Jazz, Joy, and Irrepressible Flair

Then came Jamie Cullum, a whirlwind of charm and energy. Dressed in a crisp white suit, he channelled jazz-era showmanship with modern wit. Fingers danced across the piano keys, his foot tapped, body swayed—and then he leapt into the crowd, collapsing the distance between performer and audience. Fist-bumping guests, improvising lyrics, coaxing even the most reserved black-tie revellers to their feet.

“I think this may be the poshest festival I’ve ever played,” he quipped mid-song, laughter and applause ringing out across the river. In that moment, the festival ceased to be an audience and became a living, breathing participant in the music itself.

Fireworks, Fantasy, and Friendship

As the evening reached its crescendo, Titanium Fireworks – renowned for London’s New Year’s Eve and Adele’s Wembley finales – erupted over the Thames. Gold and silver cascades mirrored in the water, synchronised perfectly with the music, leaving guests breathless. Glasses clinked, champagne sparkled, and the shared joy was palpable.

Henley is a festival of curated excess. Launched by Diana Ross and featuring a line-up spanning Rick Astley, McFly, and Hacienda, this year it balanced star power with intimacy. But its true brilliance lies in these moments: the hush before a note, the shared laughter, the stolen glance across a glittering crowd, and the warmth of friends old and new.

From our premium front grandstand seats, we savoured exquisite champagne. We had the pleasure of being joined by Roger Smee, the esteemed former Chairman of Reading Football Club, along with his son-in-law, Mark Cosgrove Smith, who was accompanied by his wife, Leonora. The gentlemen graciously offered us a toast, enhancing the camaraderie of the evening.

We also connected with remarkable friends throughout the night, including a talented gardener responsible for the stunning grounds of Clivedon House, famously linked to the intriguing Profumo Affair and his wife, who looked like she had stepped out of The Great Gatsby. It was truly a memorable night filled with enchantment and delightful company.

Earlier in the evening, Alistair McGowan entertained guests at the Paradiso tent, and revellers enjoyed picnics on the riverbank provided by Pavilion Foods and fine dining restaurants while they watched the action. Our seats in G block were just perfect with an unobstructed view.

This was the final day of a four-day event that was initiated by none other than the iconic diva, Diana Ross, whose electrifying performance set the tone for an unforgettable festival. Over the following days, music lovers were treated to a diverse array of acts, including the lively pop-rock sensations McFly, the timeless hitmaker Rick Astley, and the vibrant sounds of Hacienda, a staple of the Manchester music scene. However, in my opinion, the true highlights were the breathtaking performances by the renowned tenor Matteo Bocelli and the exceptionally talented Jamie Cullum.

As we made our way out, we encountered joyful revellers indulging in the thrilling fairground rides and immersing themselves in the Paradiso tent, where Yolanda Brown captivated the audience with The Bob Marley Songbook.

Earlier on Sunday, a children’s festival filled with a variety of activities and entertainment took place, and our daughter thoroughly enjoyed it. From face painting to interactive games, it was a joyful experience for all the kids, leading nicely into the evening celebrations.

In retrospect, the Henley Black Tie Festival is one of the most profoundly emotional and awe-inspiring experiences I have ever had. As the sun gracefully set, casting a golden hue over the glimmering yachts, I was genuinely moved to tears by Bocelli’s soul-stirring rendition of his most beloved songs. I left energised after Jamie Callum’s electrifying set.

This magical experience will remain etched in my memory forever, and the lyrics to “These are the days I will remember, ran around my mind as I shared the experience with my late mum’s friend. I couldn’t help but shed a few tears at the beauty of the evening and wished she had been able to see it with me, but I knew she was with us in spirit.

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As we drifted home along the riverbank, the final strains of music still ringing, I felt the magic of the night settle around us. Henley was Gatsby made real—opulent, ephemeral, and utterly unforgettable.

Yes. These are days we will remember.