A RIOT of colour and sound will ring out from Upton-upon-Severn this weekend.

Thousands are expected to visit the town for the annual folk festival, which runs from Friday to Monday, May 5.

This year, revellers will enjoy a wide range of free-to-enter fringe events, as well as daily concerts, more morris dancing than you can shake a handkerchief at, and lively, late night Ceilidhs.

"Upton has seen some difficult times recently," said festival chairman Richard Hannah, referring to last year's flood devastation.

"We want as many people as possible to come and support the town. There's a huge line-up of artists and events to come and watch. You can have a go at singing, or bring your dancing feet or musical instruments - it's all about joining in the fun."

The sound of English, Irish, Welsh, even Scandinavian folk music will drift from pubs around the town and there will be daily concerts in the main marquee behind Upton Social Club.

Performers include stand-up comedian/guitarist Keith Donnolley; comic trio Dangerous Curves; and Roy Bailey, who received an MBE for services to folk music in 2000 but returned it in 2006 in protest at the government's foreign policy.

Bailey, who will perform on Monday, began his singing career in a skiffle group and spent nearly 50 years performing at folk clubs and festivals across the UK.

He has a loyal fan following and, according to critics, one of the finest folk voices in the world.

Festival-goers will also see a number of Worcestershire-based musicians including Tyler Massey and Vo Fletcher, Dave Bordewey and Dave Young, That Shallott, Gordon the Hedgehog, Slipperjig, Vital Spark and youngsters from the Sean Eireann McMahon Academy of Irish Dancing.

On top of ticketed events, there will be dancing, music workshops, a craft fair, a duck race and grand street procession.

For more information see the festival website www. uptonfolk.org.