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Jessie J, Lionel Richie for Henley Festival


Jessie J will headline Henley Festival.

The ‘Bang Bang’ hitmaker will open the annual event on Wednesday July 8 when she performs on the festival’s floating stage on the River Thames, with other confirmed artists including 65-year-old singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter and ‘Green Garden’ singer Laura Mvula.

Speaking about the event, Jessie said: "So excited to be headlining the opening night of the Henley Festival this year and performing alongside the likes of Lionel Richie!"

The series of black-tie evenings – which are being held in partnership with BMW – will also host comedy, theatre, fine-dining and art between July 8 and 12.

During the opening night featuring Jessie J, TV personality Mark Watson will be performing stand-up comedy in The Salon Late, while other attractions throughout the festival include comedy from Adam Kay, Abandoman, The Horne Section, Adam Hills and ‘The Only Way is Downton’.

Other acts set to feature at the Oxfordshire celebration include world music pioneers Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo, while organisers have teased a "very special guest" who is yet to be announced for the closing evening on Sunday 12 July.

Tickets for the series of events are available now with prices starting at £35 from www.henley-festival.co.uk