Rewind Festival Henley: Ultimate Guide to 80s Music Extravaganza


Rewind Festival Henley, held annually in Henley-on-Thames, is a premier music festival celebrating the vibrant sounds of the 80s and beyond. This iconic event attracts thousands of visitors every year, eager to enjoy a weekend of timeless music, entertaining performances, and a lively atmosphere.

The sun sets behind a stage, casting a warm glow over the crowd. Colorful tents and food stalls line the festival grounds, as music fills the air

The Rewind Festival Henley 2024 promises unforgettable performances from headliners like Billy Ocean and The Jacksons. Attendees can expect a unique experience with performances tailored exclusively for Rewind. With a mix of legendary acts and newer artists, the festival creates a perfect blend of nostalgia and discovery.

Apart from the music, the festival offers camping, family activities, and mouth-watering food and drinks, ensuring there’s something for everyone. This makes Rewind Festival Henley not just a concert but a complete cultural event that appeals to all ages.

Festival Overview

Colorful tents and stages sprawl across a grassy field. Crowds move between food stalls and carnival rides. Music fills the air at Rewind Festival Henley

Rewind Festival Henley, specifically known as Rewind South, is an annual celebration held at Temple Island Meadows. It features iconic 80’s music, vibrant camping options, and fun activities for all ages.

Event History

Rewind Festival began in 2009, quickly becoming a staple for 80’s music enthusiasts. As the first and largest 80’s music festival in the world, it has consistently attracted big names from the decade. Over the years, the festival has expanded to include artists from the 90’s and beyond, maintaining its core focus on the 80’s nostalgia. With each passing year, the festival has grown in popularity, now welcoming thousands of visitors who come to relive the golden era of music.

Location and Venue

Temple Island Meadows, located in Henley-on-Thames, is the main venue for Rewind South. This area provides a picturesque setting by the river Thames, adding a unique charm to the festival. Spanning across vast, open grassy fields, the venue is perfect for large gatherings. It offers ample space for multiple stages, camping sites, food stalls, and various activities. The scenic landscape combined with well-organised facilities makes it an ideal location for the festival. The accessibility of the venue via major transport links ensures a smooth travel experience for attendees.

Festival Experience

The Rewind Festival experience is rich and varied, designed to cater to a diverse audience. It features live performances from legendary 80’s artists, with colourful stage designs enhancing the retro vibe. Beyond the music, the festival offers a range of attractions including themed fancy dress competitions, silent discos, and funfair rides. Camping options range from basic pitches to luxury glamping, ensuring comfort for all visitors. Food and drink stalls provide a wide array of choices, from classic festival fare to gourmet options. Families are well-accommodated with dedicated areas and activities for children, making it a truly inclusive event.

Line-Up and Performances

Crowds gather at Rewind Festival Henley, watching as performers take the stage one by one, creating an electric atmosphere with their lively music and energetic dance routines

Rewind Festival Henley is known for bringing together an incredible array of music talents from the 1980s and beyond. Fans can expect to see headline acts that defined a generation and featured artists who continue to captivate audiences with their unforgettable hits.

Headline Acts

This year’s Rewind Festival Henley boasts an impressive line-up of headline acts. Billy Ocean and The Jacksons are set to take the stage, promising a blend of soulful tunes and iconic pop hits. Billy Ocean, known for hits like “Caribbean Queen” and “Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car”, will bring his energetic performance to the festival.

The Jacksons, famed for their classic hits such as “ABC” and “I Want You Back”, will also headline, delivering a nostalgic yet electrifying show. These headline acts are sure to draw large crowds and create memorable moments for everyone attending.

Featured Artists

The festival also features a diverse group of artists who made significant contributions to the music scene. Erasure’s Andy Bell will grace the stage, known for his powerful vocals and lively performances. Squeeze, another crowd favourite, will be performing their popular hits like “Cool for Cats” and “Up the Junction”.

Other notable artists include ABC, The Undertones, and Tony Hadley. ABC will perform their synth-pop classics, while The Undertones bring their punk rock edge to the mix.

Tony Hadley, the former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, will deliver some of his solo works as well as classic hits. Moreover, fans can look forward to performances by Art of Noise, Heaven 17, Kim Wilde, Jason Donovan, and Gabrielle, ensuring that there’s something for every 80s music enthusiast.

Ticket Information

Crowds gather around ticket booth at Rewind Festival Henley. Bright banners and signs display ticket prices and event information. Excitement fills the air as people line up to purchase their tickets

Knowing how to buy tickets and what deals are available for Rewind Festival Henley can make planning your trip much easier. Let’s explore both purchasing options and any exclusive offers available for attendees.

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets for Rewind Festival Henley 2024 are already on sale. You can buy them directly through the festival’s official website or from local box offices like Hobbs of Henley. Most box offices have limited hours, typically from 9 AM to noon on weekdays.

Purchasing from the box office can help you avoid booking fees, which can be a nice way to save some money.

Ticket types vary, with options for day passes, weekend passes, and VIP packages. Each type provides different levels of access, such as special viewing areas, VIP restrooms, and dedicated bars. For detailed seating arrangements and ticket specifics, you can check the festival’s seating map online.

It’s advisable to book early, as tickets often sell out quickly. Keeping an eye on ticket news through official channels can also help you stay updated on availability and any new ticket releases. Sign up for email updates so that important announcements go straight to your inbox.

Exclusive Offers

Rewind Festival offers some exclusive deals for early buyers and loyal fans. One of the best ways to stay informed about these offers is by subscribing to their email updates. This way, you’ll get exclusive news and early-bird ticket offers straight to your inbox.

VIP packages often include exclusive perks like access to exclusive viewing areas, private bars, and even meet-and-greet opportunities with the artists. It’s worth checking whether any bundle deals are available, which can sometimes include merchandise or parking passes.

Exclusive offers may change from year to year, so always check the latest information provided by the festival organisers. Keeping an eye on social media channels can also inform you about any flash sales or limited-time exclusive offers.

Accommodations and Amenities

Rewind Festival Henley offers several accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from camping and glamping at Temple Island Meadows or staying at partner hotels nearby. Food and drink are also highlights, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Camping and Glamping

Temple Island Meadows provides camping and glamping during the Rewind Festival. Camping allows festival-goers to stay close to the action. Basic amenities include showers and toilets. It’s ideal for those looking for an authentic festival experience at a lower cost.

Glamping offers more comfort and is perfect for those who want a bit of luxury. Glamping options typically include pre-pitched tents, comfortable bedding, and sometimes even electricity. Both options must be booked through the festival’s website.

Local Partnerships

The festival collaborates with local hotels to provide additional accommodation choices. Holiday Inn Reading M4 Jct10, for instance, is a popular option. Located about 11.2 miles away, it offers a comfortable stay with good amenities for festival attendees.

Another local accommodation option is booking directly from Hobbs of Henley Box Office, which ensures no booking fee. Staying in these hotels provides easy access to festival activities and a comfortable place to rest.

Food and Drink

Food and drink are an integral part of the Rewind Festival experience. Various food stalls offer a wide range of cuisines, from traditional British food to international delights. There are options for everyone, including vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

Beverage options include soft drinks, craft beers, and cocktails. Many stalls focus on quality, using fresh ingredients to cater to festival-goers. The food and drink offerings are designed to enhance the overall festival experience, adding to the enjoyment of the music and activities.

Festival Activities

Rewind Festival Henley offers visitors a wide range of activities that cater to different tastes. From dancing at a silent disco to enjoying other interactive entertainment, there is something for everyone.

Silent Disco

The Silent Disco is one of the highlights. Festival-goers can dance to music played through wireless headphones. Multiple channels offer different genres, so attendees can switch to their favourite tunes. This activity usually takes place in the evenings, adding a unique twist to the traditional nightlife.

The disco creates an inclusive atmosphere as people dance and sing along to a variety of hits. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy dancing in a more intimate setting. Being able to choose one’s own music adds a personalised touch.

Other Entertainment

Apart from the silent disco, there are many other forms of entertainment at Rewind Festival Henley. Vintage fairs, karaoke sessions, and retro gaming areas are some examples. Attendees can engage in various interactive experiences.

Live performances and DJ sets are scattered throughout the day, ensuring constant entertainment. There are also food stalls and craft beer stands for those looking to relax between activities. Children’s play areas make it a family-friendly event.

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