Music
Leila McKenzie: R&B Visionary Lighting up Henley’s RISE Stage
From Swansea to the Thames, Leila McKenzie brings bold vocal finesse and cross-genre vibrancy to the Henley Festival’s RISE Stage on Wednesday 9 July. Tipped as the UK’s next breakthrough R&B/pop voice, she’ll blend bold lyrics with fierce energy under the open skies of one of Britain’s most elegant summer festivals.
A Sonic Fusion Rooted in UK Garage, R&B & Pop
McKenzie’s craft defies simple categorization. Born in Wales to Jamaican heritage, her sound marries the tight grooves of UK garage and 2-step with smooth R&B melodies and pop-savvy structure. Henley’s description highlights her “striking vocal energy” and genre-bending style — a sound that has already resonated with listeners across the UK.
Breaking Through: Festival Booking & Social Buzz
Her performance on the RISE Stage isn’t the only sign of her rising star. Announced through her own channels, Leila excitedly shared booking news:
“Only went and booked my first festival slot of the year—catch me on the RISE stage this July at @henleyfestival”
What to Expect at Henley Festival
Attending Henley Festival? Here’s why McKenzie’s set is one to catch:
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Vocal power meets poetic flair: Soulful delivery layered over rhythms steeped in British club culture
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Festival-ready energy: Her announcement reflects a fierce, stage-ready persona
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A start of something special: As one of RISE’s highlighted acts, her presence signals real momentum
Listening In: Where to Discover Leila
Though her debut festival slot is her most public performance yet, McKenzie’s online presence is an inviting entry point: https://linktr.ee/leilamckenzie
Why Her Performance Matters
Henley Festival’s RISE initiative spotlights artists on the verge of wider acclaim, and McKenzie’s inclusion confirms her promise. Her blend of UK sounds with heartfelt expression fits the festival’s elegant yet adventurous ethos — especially in a black-tie, riverside setting.
Expect something warm, personal and musically adventurous: a set that bridges acoustic warmth and club-ready rhythms, ideal for Henley’s eclectic audience.
With transatlantic roots and a sound that feels both nostalgic and new, Jonny Morgan is one of the most compelling singer-songwriters to emerge from the UK indie-folk scene. His heartfelt, cinematic style will take centre stage at Henley Festival 2025, as he joins a curated list of RISE musicians lighting up the Thames.
Bridging UK Folk with Americana Depth
Jonny’s story is written in movement. Raised in the UK but deeply inspired by American roots music, his artistry blends ambient textures with emotional storytelling—earning him the 2024 UK Americana Music Association’s ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ award.
His debut album ‘Good Luck With the Music’ (2023) showcases his distinct ability to create spacious, soul-bearing songs with wide appeal—perfectly balancing the intimate with the epic.
Henley Festival: A New Chapter in a Growing Journey
As one of the standout performers on the RISE Stage this summer, Jonny Morgan will bring his warm stage presence and deeply resonant songs to Henley’s audiences. Expect lyrical honesty, acoustic richness, and moments of shared reflection.
Whether you’re a long-time indie-folk fan or new to the genre, Jonny’s set is sure to connect.
This is music for anyone who’s ever felt caught between worlds—and found beauty in that space.
See Jonny Morgan live at Henley Festival’s RISE Stage, 9–13 July 2025.
Learn more about the full programme at henley-festival.co.uk
Darcy Winter is quietly shaking up the UK’s alternative scene—and this summer, she’ll bring her genre-defying blend of jazz-pop to the RISE Stage at Henley Festival 2025.
Hailed as a “rising star” by Wonderland Magazine, Darcy has spent the past year creating a real community on the London circuit. Her sound is equal parts sultry and bold—lush jazz chords meet heavy basslines and raw, soulful lyrics, giving listeners something both familiar and fresh.
From Bristol Roots to Festival Spotlight
Darcy’s music carries the DNA of her upbringing. With formative years spent in Bristol and a love of jazz passed down from her dad, she’s shaped her own unique blend of sonic influences. Her debut album, released earlier this year, delivers that signature warmth and depth: smoky vocals, intimate lyrics, and a live energy that translates straight into her recordings.
The Henley RISE Stage: A Natural Home
Appearing on Henley Festival’s RISE Stage is a fitting step for Darcy. The platform champions emerging artists with vision, originality, and real talent—something Darcy has in abundance. Her performance promises to be immersive, emotional and unforgettable.
“Classic with an edge” isn’t just a tagline—it’s the backbone of everything she creates.
Expect mood-driven melodies, captivating vocal runs, and a fiercely personal set.
Catch Darcy Winter at Henley Festival’s RISE Stage, 9–13 July 2025.
Find out more about the RISE programme and full line-up at henley-festival.co.uk
Henley Festival, the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival, is proud to unveil its 2025 RISE Stage line-up – a bold platform championing outstanding new talent in music and visual art.
Running from 9–13 July 2025, Henley Festival returns to the beautiful banks of the Thames, where rising stars in music and art will share the spotlight alongside icons such as Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Matteo Bocelli and Jamie Cullum.
At the heart of the Festival’s creative mission is RISE by Henley Festival — a charitable programme supporting and promoting the next generation of musicians, visual artists, and backstage professionals.
Music to Discover: Emerging Artists on the 2025 RISE Stage
This year’s RISE Stage, presented by Westcoast, features an eclectic line-up of emerging musical talent, blending genres including R&B, jazz-pop, folk, and indie.
⭐ Westcoast RISING Star Award Winner:
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Hetta Falzon – A 20-year-old Manchester-based singer-songwriter channelling jazz, classical and pop into a distinctive soundscape of emotion and honesty.
RISE Musicians Performing at Henley Festival 2025:
In the run-up to the event, we will be reviewing and spotlighting each RISE musician.
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Leila McKenzie – Welsh-Jamaican singer fusing UK garage, R&B and pop with striking vocal energy.
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Darcy Winter – Jazz-pop singer crafting bass-rich, soulful songs with poetic lyrics.
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Jonny Morgan – Indie Americana artist and AMA Emerging Artist of the Year.
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Naima Adams – London-based R&B vocalist blending layered vocals with emotional storytelling.
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Conor McLain – Irish singer-songwriter closing the RISE Stage with uplifting acoustic soul.
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Tony Mac – Indie singer-songwriter with deeply personal lyrics and powerful vocals.
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The White Lakes – High-energy indie rock band known for their youth-driven, genre-bending style.
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High Windows – London-based indie-pop band blending soaring vocals with synth textures.
Each of these artists brings a fresh voice to the UK music scene. Their performances offer festivalgoers a rare chance to witness breakthrough acts before they rise to wider acclaim.
Raoul Orzabal (Winner) – London-based painter known for digital-influenced landscapes and intricate geometry.
New for 2025: Visual Art Talent on Show in the Audi High RISE Gallery
In a further expansion of its RISE programme, Henley Festival launched the RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize, recognising UK-based visual artists in the early stages of their careers.
2025 RISE Visual Arts Prize Winners:
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Raoul Orzabal (Winner) – London-based painter known for digital-influenced landscapes and intricate geometry.
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Curtis Chan (Runner-Up) – Hong Kong-born artist layering nostalgia and memory through acrylic and watercolour.
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Susan Kellaway (Runner-Up) – Award-winning UK painter spotlighting vibrant, subversive depictions of the female form.
Their work will be exhibited at the Audi High RISE Gallery, a key visual art destination within the Henley Festival
As well as the RISE Stage, the full Festival experience includes:
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Floating Stage Headliners: Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Haçienda Classical, Matteo Bocelli and Jamie Cullum
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Comedy at the Paradiso & Riverside: Ed Byrne, Ivo Graham, Matt Forde, Alistair McGowan and more
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Visual Arts: Dozens of galleries and installations throughout the festival grounds
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Jazz, Swing, Cabaret & Global Music: Across multiple tents and stages
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Family-Friendly Events: Playdate @ Henley Festival with theatre, music and hands-on activities for children
From spectacular music to stunning riverside views, fine dining, fireworks and late-night dancing, Henley Festival offers something truly unique for every guest.
Tickets and info: www.henley-festival.co.uk
