Umbrella group

With three great festivals every summer, you're bound to have a brolly good time in Upton whatever kind of music you're into, reckons Zeena Lemon

Folk

April 28-may, 1 2006

The folk dance and song society that organises the Riverside Folk Festival broke with tradition for Upton's 15th annual celebration of traditional music.

Out went the usual marquees and schedule of bands and in came

a "do-it-yourself" approach, designed to encourage spontaneity by letting anyone join in the music-making.

Speaking before the event, festival chairman Richard Hannah said: "We want people to be able to turn up with their instruments, find a pub where there's music and join in the party. It's a slightly different approach but everyone connected with the town and the festival seems very positive.

"As someone said to me, 'There will be music, dancing and drinking, so what could possibly be missing?'"

A sentiment that was obviously shared by the thousands of folk fans who turned up on the banks of the Severn and had a thoroughly good time in the spring bank holiday sunshine.

They were treated to a fabulous main procession, craft fair, dances under the bridge and many musical meanders.

Even better, apart from the ceilidhs in the Memorial Hall for which no one minded forking out a few quid, all of the events were free.

Jazz

june 23-25, 2006

Founded 21 years ago, the Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival is now one of the largest jazz-only events in the country, attracting musicians and spectators from all over the world.

Former festival chairman Paul Lawrence says its success is testament "to its friendly atmosphere, the support of the fans who return year after year and to the dedication of the organisers and volunteer helpers who make it happen".

Every style of jazz can be heard in one of three large marquees, or on Fish Meadow by the River Severn and in the popular Tommy's Bar. There are even gigs under the bridge and on a boat cruising the Severn.

More than 50 bands will perform this year, including The Big Chris Barber Band, George Melly & Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen, Red Stripe Band, Bourbon Street Stampers, and the James Evans Incredible String Four.

But the highlight of the festival is the spectacular parade on Saturday morning, complete with two marching bands.

Paul says: "Festival-goers fill the town in true New Orleans style, with a huge splash of colour from their decorated umbrellas."

Blues

july 14-16, 2006

Upton's blues festival has gone from strength to strength in the five years it has been running.

It has managed to maintain its status as a "free" event with help from lottery grants and Arts For All, only making money through programmes, festival merchandise and fund-raising activities.

Festival treasurer Tina Dickson says: "We are really proud that the festival is still free to all who want to come. However, this year, £25,000 has been spent on artists alone, so every programme and T-shirt we sell is vital to keeping the spirit of the event alive."

This year sees a great line-up, with open-air as well as pub-based venues. From the fabulous jazz and swing of King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys to eight-piece jump-jive orchestra The Dr Teeth Big Band to world-renowned artists, this year looks set to be the best ever.

On Sunday morning, Upton will be woken by the sound of a full gospel choir--definitely something to get up for.

For a small town, Upton-upon-Severn holds big events but has the ability to keep it all friendly and intimate. It's no wonder that it is rapidly becoming the festival capital of Worcestershire.