Dirt & Glory Media Appointed as Creative & Content Partner for Henley Festival 2026

Nov. 14, 2025

Creative Communications Agency Dirt & Glory Media today announces its appointment as the lead creative and social content agency for Henley Festival 2026, following a competitive pitch process. The appointment will see Dirt & Glory deliver the festival’s full 2026 content strategy, hero creative platform, and multi-channel storytelling across social media, performance marketing and onsite content production.

Henley Festival, renowned as the UK’s only black tie music and arts festival , set on the banks of the Thames and known for its spectacular floating stage , gourmet culinary experiences, eclectic cross-genre programming, world-class art installations, and legendary firework finales - selected Dirt & Glory for its innovative approach, cultural insight and ability to deliver distinctive, high-impact creative.

A Creative Platform: Nights That Stir The Soul

Dirt & Glory’s winning creative idea, “Nights That Stir The Soul,” captures the festival’s unique blend of glamour, artistry and riverside magic, bringing to life the emotional power of music, performance, food, comedy and culture to enchant audiences and create unforgettable shared experiences.

The agency will produce a full suite of content - including a hero brand film, a cinematic trailer series, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes features, photo essays, real-time festival storytelling, and user-generated moments, designed to fuel excitement, drive ticket sales, and amplify Henley Festival’s unique identity across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Nigel Brown, Founder, Dirt & Glory Media said:

“Henley Festival is unlike anything else in the UK - a place where music, art, culture and sheer joy collide against one of the most beautiful backdrops imaginable. From the black-tie magic to the floating stage, it’s a festival that truly stirs the soul. We’re thrilled to bring its 2026 story to life through a bold, cinematic and deeply human creative platform. Winning this brief means the world to our team, and we can’t wait to help audiences rediscover the enchantment of Henley Festival.”

 

Jo Bausor, CEO, Henley Festival said:

“Dirt & Glory impressed us with their understanding of what makes Henley Festival so special - the sophistication, the creativity, the eclectic programming, the sense of wonder that sweeps across the river each night. Their ‘Nights That Stir The Soul’ platform captures the essence of who we are and where we’re going. We’re excited to partner with a team that brings such vision, craft and passion, and we look forward to working with them to shape an unforgettable 2026 festival season.”

 

A Festival in a Category of One

The partnership arrives as Henley Festival continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural events, offering an elevated alternative to the 4,000+ festivals competing for audience attention. Dirt & Glory’s strategic and creative approach underscores Henley’s mission to stand apart — offering an evening of creativity, glamour and multi-sensory experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Dirt & Glory will begin development of the 2026 content ecosystem this winter, followed by full creative rollout from early 2026 - culminating in extensive on-site content capture throughout the festival.

Together, Dirt & Glory and Henley Festival will craft a campaign designed to enchant audiences, celebrate artistic excellence, champion rising talent, and bring the festival’s signature riverside magic to millions.