DESPITE competition from four other events, Upton-upon-Severn's blues festival looks to have cemented its place in the town's packed summer calendar.

This year's inaugural event was such a success that next year's will be extended from two to three days.

The town's obvious enthusiasm showed on Friday with the popularity of a fundraising "blues cruise", which featured live music from acoustic Aussie crooner Liz Stringer and cult local five-piece The Barflys.

It proved such an attractive proposition that tickets sold out before posters advertising it could be put up.

Those quick enough to get hold of some were not disappointed, with pitch-perfect support from Liz Stringer preceding a belting performance from The Barflys.

Pat Allen on lead guitar, Andy Heisman on vocals, rhythm guitar and repartee and Jody Veal on harmonica expanded well from solid foundations laid by Stuart McEwan's bass and Righard Shelton on drums.

Organiser Rachael Willoughby said the tickets could have been sold nearly twice over, and the event is expected to have raised between £500 and £700.

She added that although there will be more fundraisers throughout the year, sponsors are being courted in order to fund further venues for 2003 - with "under the bridge" and the Memorial Hall two possibilities.

However, she pledged the festival will not move out of the town itself, or ever start charging people to attend.

"We're trying not to let it get too big," she said. "We want to keep it in the town, and keep it free."

Offers of sponsorship, individual or corporate, should be directed to Tina Marshall on 01684 591326.