Diana Delights on Henley Festival Opening Night

DIANA Ross headlined the opening night of Henley Festival to a rapturous, packed-out audience.

The crowd was on its feet as the 81-year-old emerged dressed in a pink tulle floor length dress, with a diamond-encrusted waistband and pink shawl on Wednesday night.

The Motown legend from Detroit was joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as she delighted the crowds with a performance of her most-loved songs, on the final UK stop of her European tour.

Mid-way through the show, Ross brought out her daughter, singer, songwriter and actress, Rhonda Ross.

With a slideshow of family photos playing on the screen behind them, the pair sang Count on Me, written by Rhonda for her mum’s 2021, Grammy-nominated album, Thank You.

The weather remained sunny and warm throughout the afternoon. Rows of picnics lined the Lion Meadow car park outside the festival entrance, where people enjoyed champagne and canapes before the entertainment.

Elsewhere in the festival, people took pictures with the roving troupe of eccentric entertainers including Zelva, the Giant Tortoise and the Shady Cats.

This year’s Westcoast Rising Star Award-winner Hetta Flazon, from Manchester, and Welsh-Jamaican Singer-Songwriter Leila Mckenzie, both performed on the RISE emerging talent stage.

Meanwhile, festival guests explored a sculpture garden with pieces by John O’Connor, Roger Clarke, Bunty Rowbotham, Gareth Griffiths, and Lilly Henry, posed for a “Glambot” red-carpet shot in front of the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, or enjoyed food and refreshments from various bars and food trucks throughout the festival.

Tonight’s headline act is McFly.

A full report and pictures from the festival will appear in next week’s Henley Standard.

Picture by Garry Jones