THE Henley Festival is a popular event, which welcomes international bands across a five day period. But what are the top ten things to see at this year's festival?

Stewart Collins, the festival's creative director, gives his top ten things to see this coming July:

1. The Jacksons – To have these guys play on Saturday, July 12 at Henley Festival is almost surreal. But actually for real… Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Tito have still got every inch of the magic this iconic band created when they started out, I can’t wait to see them on our Floating Stage.

2. Jasper Carrott/Alastair McGowan – Now that’s why I get out of bed in the morning, for an exclusive like this. Closing the final night of the festival will be the first ever, live show to feature both top-notch comedians on one stage.

3. Rick Wakeman – Rick is known either as an extraordinary musician from the 'prog rock’ era or one of tv’s very funny Grumpy Old Men. He does both in this brilliant one-man tour de force.

4. Milton Jones – If you’ve not seen Milton Jones before, expect more first class comedy. I don’t often go and see acts more than once - once is normally enough to know if they’ll work for the Henley audience - but I’ve seen Milton three times and will be looking forward to the fourth in July.

5. Alastair Gibson – Fabulous sculpture is always an important feature of the festival. Our headline on this front is the former Formula 1 technician who now creates flights of fantasy out of the same carbon fibre materials. It’s truly extraordinary and really must be seen to be believed.

6. Karito – A memorable piece of installation art by David Barratt, only previously seen at the HQ of the United Nations in New York. Very thought provoking, but also playful.

7. Les Goulus – Simply the best of all Roving Eccentrica acts, Les Goulus will be on site each night for your enjoyment. They’re French; they’re totally off the wall and in Les Cupidons, unbelievably mischievous.

8. Daria van den Bercken – People come to the Henley Festival expecting style, class and elegance, but also the unexpected. They are never disappointed. Daria van den Bercken’s classical piano concerts on the lawn throughout the festival will see her playing an ‘art’ piano, incorporating the essence of Henley perfectly.

9. The Mariachis – I can’t think of anything more joyous, but equally absurd as Mexico's Mariachis (the guys who feature in those brilliant Doritos ads) strolling around the site, spreading their fabulously hi-octane music.

10. The Rest Room – A floating Edwardian outdoor ‘convenience’ as a stage for a female string quartet. Now that’s Henley.

Each black tie evening is limited to 5,000 guests. Tickets are available now, with all proceeds going to The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts. Visit www.henley-festival.co.uk for more information.