When the Henley Royal Regatta packs down, something entirely different rises in its place. The riverside is transformed into a black-tie, open-air wonderland: five nights of music, performance, light, and laughter. This is Henley Festival, and for over four decades, RG Jones Sound Engineering has been the quiet force powering every beat of it.
Over 40 Years of Partnership
In 2023, RG Jones celebrated 40 years of service to Henley Festival—making us not just a supplier, but a part of the festival’s creative and operational backbone. From solo pianos to symphony orchestras, acoustic jazz to full-throttle pop, the range of performances demands an incredibly agile and experienced production team. Henley is a high-expectation show in a low-noise neighbourhood, and every element must be precise.
Technical Delivery Across Seven Stages
Henley is not a “one-stage” kind of show. Across seven distinct venues, including the iconic floating stage on the Thames, RG Jones provides end-to-end technical production, tailored to the needs of each space.
Scope of Work Includes:
- System design and PA deployment across seven stages
- FOH, monitor, and broadcast mix engineering
- Real-time noise monitoring to stay within environmental limits
- Power distribution and infrastructure support
- Backline coordination and changeover techs
- OB and recording support
- Artist liaison and client comms
- Last-minute troubleshooting in complex live environments
The proximity to local residences makes noise control critical—and it’s a responsibility we take seriously. Using a combination of well-placed speaker arrays, live SPL monitoring, and pre-agreed limits with production, we deliver stunning clarity inside the event footprint, and near silence beyond it.
Supporting the Next Generation – RISE
RG Jones proudly supports RISE, Henley Festival’s programme for emerging and underrepresented artists. Every act, whether performing in a tent, on a side stage, or via pop-up activation, receives professional-grade AV support from our team. Because creativity deserves excellence—no matter where it starts.
We treat every act like the headliner. Whether they’re opening the Jazz Club or closing the floating stage, we bring the same attention to detail.
— RG Jones Production Lead, Henley Festival
Designed for the Unexpected
Henley is full of surprises—from pop-up performers to high-level guest appearances and spontaneous encore requests. RG Jones has built a reputation for making the complex feel seamless. With engineers stationed across the site, supported by robust comms and a highly mobile kit spec, we’re ready for whatever the night brings.
A Black-Tie Boutique Experience
Henley Festival stands apart from the UK’s festival landscape. It’s immersive, curated, and rich with character. RG Jones has grown with the festival, helping shape the evolving technical landscape while preserving its charm.
From the show-stopping to the subtle, we’re there to make sure everything is heard exactly as it should be—beautifully.
At a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Client / Event: | Henley Festival, Oxfordshire |
| Challenge: | Deliver world-class audio for a five-night, multi-stage black-tie festival within a noise-sensitive riverside environment — balancing artistic excellence with community responsibility. |
| Scope of Work: | Full technical production across seven stages, including PA system design, FOH and monitor engineering, real-time noise monitoring, power distribution, and artist support. Integrated mobile infrastructure to manage diverse performances ranging from orchestras to pop acts, while supporting emerging artists through the RISE programme. |
| Result: | Over 40 years of seamless partnership delivering exceptional sound, precision control, and creative flexibility — ensuring every note of Henley Festival resonates beautifully within its unique riverside setting. |