THE Mayor of Henley is to stage two shows in aid of her chosen charities.

They will be instead of the traditional civic dinner to mark the end of the mayor’s year in office. Pam Phillips has booked a number of local acts for first show, which is called Let Me Entertain You and will take place at the town hall on Saturday, April 28.

This will be followed by The King Is Back In Henley at the town hall on Friday, May 4, featuring Elvis Presley tribute singer Ben Portsmouth, who won an Images Of the King competition in Memphis in 2010. Let Me Entertain You will feature Henley Rock Choir, the International Ukelele Club of Sonning Common, the Madelaine Kelly School of Dance, from Wargrave, Henley band Nine Lives and Scottish piper David Major.

Handbell ringers Gay and Alan Cooper, who were featured on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, will also perform. Henley Rock Choir, of which the Mayor is a member, was the first performer at last year’s inaugural Henley Living Advent Calendar.

The International Ukulele Club of Sonning Common were founded by award-winning former singer Sam Brown, daughter of veteran rock ’n’ roll star Joe Brown. Cllr Phillips said: "I chose to replace the usual civic dinner with the performances so that there will be something for everyone in Henley. Both nights will offer fantastic entertainment and I am really looking forward to the chance to lay on top entertainment for the people of the town and celebrate local talent at the same time."

Let Me Entertain You starts at 7.30pm and The King is Back in Henley at 8pm.

Dress is black tie or smart casual and a licensed bar will be available.

Tickets for both evenings cost £20 and are available by calling (01491) 576982. All profits will go to Nomad, the Henley and District Citizens Advice Bureau and the Henley Youth Centre.

Published 20/04/12