Ooh la la! French theme for this year's Upton Jazz Festival

Following last year’s 1940s flavour, organisers have this year looked across the Channel for their inspiration.

Three French bands are appearing at the 31st annual event, which takes place in picturesque Upton from June 23-26.

Hot Antic Jazz Band hail from Marseilles and play 20s-style Chicago jazz. The award-winning six-piece gig across the world, from the Edinburgh Jazz Festival to New York’s Carnegie Hall and have recorded with the great saxophonist, Benny Waters.

Hippocampus Jass Gang, based in Montpellier, play 20s-style hot jazz reminiscent of the string bands of the era. The six piece counts four vocalists among their number, influenced by Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

Paris-based Montparnasse are also appearing. Fronted by Céline Dommart, the gypsy jazz aficionados breathe new life into French classics by Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and George Brassens.

“Jazz musicians have been doing their stuff for years, but this year we’ve been really looking for young performers,” said Rachel Hayward, the festival’s musical director. “We’re so excited to have these bands with us.

As well as 60 concerts from the likes of Alan Barnes, Tom Kincaid and Remi Harris, visitors are promised a lively dance section in marquees with wooden dance floors.

Dance@Upton, led by the 15-piece London Swing Orchestra, will this year include lessons for beginners and experienced dancers alike.

The Best of Young Jazz, now in its eighth year, celebrates the rising stars of the jazz world.

Three huge marquees, a bar and campsite make up the Festival Village and a riverboat shuffle party boat cruises the River Severn as Upton’s pubs and clubs turn into music venues for the weekend.

There’s also a dazzling Mardi Gras-style parade through the streets, along with a jazz church service.

Day tickets cost from £28, weekend tickets are £78 and camping costs £30 per person for the weekend.

Book at uptonjazz.co.uk or call 01684 593254.