MADNESS and the Beach Boys will be among the headline acts at this year’s Henley Festival.

Other performers will include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing at a Bond-themed gala night and singer Paloma Faith.

A fifth main act is expected to be announced next week.

It will be a swift return for Madness frontman Suggs, who was in the audience last year when he stormed the “floating” stage while Sting was performing.

A band spokesman said: “Suggs got the wrong date and turned up on stage a year early. Luckily, Sting didn’t mind too much.


“We’ll all be there this year — we’ll be expecting you.”

Madness are currently promoting their 10th studio album, Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da, having made two major appearances last summer — on top of Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s diamond jubilee and at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics.

They will appear on the third night of the 31st annual festival, which will run from Wednesday, July 10 to Sunday, July 14. The Beach Boys, the legendary Americans who have given more concerts than any rock band, will perform on the opening night.

The seven-man band still includes Mike Love, who was in the original line-up from 1961.

Love said: “We are very excited about performing at this year’s Henley Festival and playing literally on the River Thames.

“It is always special to have the opportunity to play for our English fans.”

The festival will pay homage to James Bond creator Ian Fleming, who lived in Nettlebed, on the Saturday night with a variety show called Shaken and Stirred featuring the Royal Philharmonic performing classic Bond soundtracks ranging from Diamonds Are Forever to Skyfall.

The show will also feature West End singers, Bond-style stunts, comedians and surprise guests.

Sir Roger Moore, who played Bond in seven films, said: “James Bond has played a major part in my life and I can’t imagine a more appropriately British location for a celebration of Ian Fleming’s remarkable character. Have a wonderful evening and good luck!” Faith, who was nominated for best female and best British album for Fall To Grace at this year’s Brit awards, will close the festival.

She said: “I’m really happy to be playing at the Henley Festival this year. Performing live is what I love the most.”

Each night’s performance will be followed by the traditional fireworks display that the black-tie event has become known for.

Tickets go on sale to Friends of the festival at 10am on Monday and will be general sale soon from www.henley-festival.co.uk

Keep up to date with festival news and interviews in the Standard and at www.henleystandard.co.uk

Published 25/02/13