Sir Elton John and his band will be headlining the opening night on July 6 with award-winning singer/songwriter Elvis Costello & The Imposters following hot on his heels at this year's Henley Festival, which runs from July 6-10.

Henley's prestigious boutique affair will also be graced by Bond theme diva Dame Shirley Bassey performing with Brit-award winning vocal group BLAKE and the Welsh opera singer Bryn Terfel singing with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra.

Will Young will close the weekend on July 10, he says: “I’m really very excited to be closing Henley Festival on the Sunday night.

“I had such fun playing there last time, it’s such a beautiful setting on the banks of the river Thames, not to mention headlining alongside one of my favourite people, Sir Elton John.”

Outdoing itself again this year, the festival will play host to legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s, which will offer cabaret style seating to watch the Ronnie Scott’s Allstars while being served cocktails and food.

Another new addition is the New Music Stage which will see some of the brightest up and coming bands and solo artists take to the stage before the headline acts take to the Floating Stage in the evenings.

The culturally fuelled festival offers far more than music, the 20 person comedy line-up for the long weekend in July includes Al Murray, Dillie Keane and Reginald D Hunter.

There will also be an array of visual and performance art such as digital cabaret, street performers, art installations and sculptures.

To help keep your energy levels high for the abundance of activities on offer, the Henley Festival is home to Europe’s biggest field restaurant.

This year the field will feature Michelin-starred chef Daniel Clifford who has created a bespoke tasting menu for the festival’s Riverside Restaurant.

Daniel says: “I am incredibly excited to work at such an iconic event as Henley. The Riverside Restaurant will be the fine dining offering for guests with dishes such as sautéed scallops, granny smith apple, celeriac and perigold truffle puree and seared Cornish mackerel, piccalilli Chantilly and pickled white cabbage.”

Not just for grown-ups, Sunday at Henley festival is Family Day, where kids can interact with children’s entertainers, musicians, comedians and street entertainers, as well as taking part in crafting sessions and making art, while parents can relax in the stunning festival grounds.

Tickets start at £35 and go on sale this Thursday, July 25.

Henley Festival, on the riverbanks, Henley on Thames, Wednesday, July 6 until Sunday, July 10. Details: 01491 843400