Festival Venues
The Kenton Theatre
Built in 1805 the Kenton is the fourth oldest theatre in the country and has had spells as a non-conformist chapel, a school, a church hall and a scenery store. In 1935 it reopened as a theatre with professional repertory companies. Now run on a voluntary basis with an executive committee responsible for the day-to-day operations, the theatre is enjoying a renaissance, with plans to buy the freehold of the property and ensure its future. Its experience of high-profile events make it an ideal venue for the Literary Festival.
Hotel
du Vin
The classical Georgian façade of the old Brakespears Brewery on New Street, only 50 yards from the riverside moorings and in the heart of the historic town centre, is home to Hotel du Vin & Bistro Henley-on-Thames. It has been the location for the green room for the authors for the last three years ,and this year makes its debut as a venue.
www.hotelduvin.com/hotels/henley-on-thames/hotel-information
The River and Rowing Museum
The River & Rowing Museum
celebrates three themes: the River Thames, the sport of rowing and the
town of Henley-on-Thames. The
museum, an impressive modernist structure clad in green oak, offers
an impressive collection of unique objects and interactive exhibits. Events take place in the attractive Thames
Room with its glass-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river, the Education
Centre and, for the first time this year, in the
Gallery itself.
Town Hall
The present Town Hall, built in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, opened in 1901. This beautiful building represents the heart of Henley both geographically and philosophically, and we are grateful to the Town Council for allowing us its use. Events, this year with an enhanced sound system, take place in both the stunningly-decorated main hall and the wood-panelled Council Chamber.
Phyllis
Court Club
Established in 1906, Phyllis Court is a private members' club with the finest riverside location in Henley. A Georgian mansion set in 18 acres with rolling lawns, events will beheld both in the Grand Ballroom and in the Grandstand, a glass-structured building on the edge of the water. Its tranquil setting, not normally open to the public, provides an inspirational location in which to hear our speakers.
The Hibernia - Hobbs of Henley
Commissioned by Hobbs in 2001, The Hibernia represents a new and exciting concept in passenger vessel design. Encased in glass it allows guests wonderful panoramic views views as well as dry accommodation in comfort, lending itself perfectly to what has become one of our most popular events, the River Readings. Local actors with national reputations, including Simon Williams, Jeremy Child and Lucy Fleming, read poetry and prose as the boat drifts downstream and the audience sip their coffees. This year, the River Readings will also take place aboard The Waterman, the latest addition to the Hobbs fleet. Constructed using the latest technology combining richly varnished teak timberwork with luxurious soft furnishings, it's the perfect setting for showcasing this year's poetic talent.
King's Arms Barn
This beautiful building represents the heart of Henley both geographically and philosophically and will host a number of events this year. Access to the barn is through the King's Road (Waitrose) car park.
Lovibond's
Lovibond's Brewery was founded in 2005 with a passion for making hand-crafted ales and lagers. We take particular pride in continuing the craft brewing tradition that Henley-on-Thames has enjoyed for centuries. Lovibond's will host the Indian Evening on Thursday 30th September in its historic building. Entrance to Lovibond's is from Grey's Road car park.
Henley Cricket Club
Henley Cricket Club has moved forward recently with the construction of a new club house, built just in time for the 2010 season. The pavilion provides seating for 70 people; extensive kitchen and bar facilities; and enhanced changing areas. It is the perfect venue in which to welcome Simon Hughes.
Hot Gossip
A welcome addition to Friday Street in recent years, Hot Gossip is a much-loved local cafe with a lovely atmosphere and an excellent range of drinks and snacks. Previous years have proved it to be the perfect
intimate venue for performance poetry readings in the evenings
during the Festival.
