With the sun finally shining on the Thames riverside, Henley Festival kicked off another year of sensational entertainment last night with the iconic Nicole Scherzinger opening its unique Floating Stage.

The Henley crowd enjoyed an epic set featuring her smash-hit songs including Don't Hold Your Breath, The Pussycat Dolls classics Sway, Buttons and Don’t Cha as well as covers of Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.

Amongst a packed evening of music, comedy, dining, dancing – as well as stunning visual art and sculptures adorning the riverside setting and the England Euro semi-final playing in the Big Top – Mark Watson had festivalgoers in fits of laughter, and following the Festival’s trademark firework spectacular, Bootleg Beatles brought the night to an energetic end with their brilliant tribute to the sixties icons.

As part of Henley Festival’s new charitable programme nurturing the next generation of talent – RISE – there were performances by the astounding Alex Francis and Louise Parker.