HENLEY FESTIVAL: The Gypsy Kings, John Williams, Hayley Westenra

10:37am Friday 18th July 2008

THE weather may have been a little damp, but that did little to dissuade an enthusiastic crowd turning up for The Gypsy Kings at the Henley Festival, last Thursday.

Despite a torrential downpour during the festival's opening night on Wednesday, featuring Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, by Thursday evening the skies had cleared, albeit leaving the grounds somewhat muddy.

That, however, was just a minor problem in an otherwise glorious evening featuring world-class talent. The Armonico Consort, playing in the club marquee, kickstarted Thursday's programme with some joyous baroque music, alongside special guest, trumpet soloist Crispian Steele Parkins.

Over in the Dome, Papa Noel and Adan Pedroso showed their mastery of guitar music and added a latin flavour to the night's proceedings. It served as a wonderful hors d'oeuvre for the main concert of the evening, given by the world-famous Gipsy Kings.

Exploding onto the stage with oodles of energy and passion, the seven-strong band played a solid selection of their joyful rhumba and Latin rhythms.

They were joined on the floating stage by Canadian artist Eric Waugh, who worked staggeringly fast to produce and complete a somewhat vibrant painting of the Gypsy Kings by the last song.

When the concert did end, the entire audience were on their feet (and some were even dancing on their chairs). Even the raucous applause lasted for a good ten minutes.

In festive spirits, we made our way over to the firework finale, held on the Riverside Lawn. Against this spectacular night sky backdrop, we watched in awe as Korean drummers Dulsori thumped out a series of fast-paced, ancient rhythms.

On Saturday evening Hayley Westenra sang like a bell on the floating stage. Her repetoire was mainly Maori songs or those from her childhood. Her voice is as clear as cut glass. Unfortunately Cortex, who was billed to sing with her, was ill, fortunately Scottish tenor, Nicky Spence, stepped in at the last minute and he was not a disappointment. The local 10-year-old Callum Chamberlain sang with them.

It was a privilege to see the great classical guitarist John Williams play with John Etheridge - a memoriable performance. And Ed Byrne was hilarious.

Francine Wolfisz and Lindi Bilgorri