Two of Elton John's five UK 2016 concert dates will be in Oxfordshire, the star reveals today

SINGING superstar Elton John is to headline next summer’s Henley Festival.

The show, on July 6, will be the Rocket Man artist’s second Oxfordshire date of the year.

We revealed earlier this morning that he would be playing at Blenheim Palace as part of the Woodstock stately home’s Nocturne series of outdoor concerts.

That show takes place on June 26.

The concerts are Sir Elton’s first dates in the county since his concert at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium, 10 years ago, and will be two of only five shows in the UK next year.

Elton John is one of the world’s most famous and best loved musicians. Having sold more than 250 million records worldwide, he holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time, has had 37 gold and 27 multi-platinum albums, and has played over 3,500 concerts across 80 countries.

The pianist and singer-songwriter’s Henley show will take place on the formal festival’s floating stage on the Thames, before an audience of 7,000, dressed in black tie and evening wear.

It will be followed by a 15 minute firework display along the river.

Sir Elton said he was looking forward to playing the UK, after spending time in America. He 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.”

Charlotte Geeves, Henley Festival Director 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.”

Tickets

Henley: Tickets start from £35. Here....

Blenheim Palace: Tickets start at £50 and are available from Friday, here....