Sir Elton John is to perform at Henley Festival next year.
Elton John
The 'Tiny Dancer' singer - who has sons Zachary, five, and Elijah, two, with partner David Furnish - has announced he will play the Floating Stage at the boutique festival for the first time on July 6, 2016.
Elton - who has just five concerts scheduled for the UK next year - said: "The simple truth is I want to spend more time with my family, and I am only too aware of just how precious the time ahead is. My sons are growing up so quickly; their early years are just flying by and I want to be there with them.
"So these concerts will give me the chance to thank the British audiences who have been so faithful to me over these many decades. We cannot get to everyone but I am going to try - and I am thrilled that I will be able to say I have played the beautiful Henley-on-Thames."
The news comes after it was announced his highly anticipated new album 'Wonderful Crazy Night' will be released on February 5, 2016.
Henley Festival is attended by 7,000 ticket holders dressed in black tie, who will be served Michelin star food at the Henley-on-Thames location.
Following Elton's performance on the opening night there will be a 15-minute firework display along the river.
Henley Festival Director Charlotte Geeves said: "We are extremely excited to be able to announce that the world's most famous pop star will be headlining Henley Festival for the first time. Henley Festival goers are huge Elton John fans so he can expect a very warm welcome when he plays at Henley. It's definitely going to be a night to remember and we can't wait for him to open the festival in July."
Other acts who will perform at the festival will be announced in the coming weeks.
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