TRADITIONAL festivities will set Upton-upon-Severn buzzing for the 13th year in succession this weekend when the annual folk festival gets under way.

It has grown from a small gathering of enthusiasts to a three-day event drawing thousands of people to the town, where roads are closed off, massed morris dances take place and much traditional ale is sunk.

However, organiser Diana Hannah wants to see more people from in and around Upton come down and soak up the atmosphere of the free events. "There's a lot people can see for nothing," she said.

Tomorrow (Saturday) will see morris dancing taking place all day, and a dance under the bridge at 4.30pm. Sunday will feature a Festival Service at 9.30am, followed by a procession, with morris dancing again happening throughout the day, and another dance under the bridge at the same time.

Workshops on storytelling, shanties, songwriters, harmony and the squeezebox will also take place tomorrow morning, with concerts from the dozens of different bands and dancers taking part at venues throughout the town.

More workshops will take place on Sunday morning followed by the procession at noon, and morris teams from all over the country will be performing in the streets throughout the event.

There will also be a street market all weekend, and singarounds in Upton's many pubs. For those who buy a ticket there will also be concerts, workshops and indoor ceilidhs.

Mrs Hannah adds that the festival's success, which draws people from all over the country, is partly due to its surroundings.

"It's one of the most popular folk festivals in the country," she said. "People like it because Upton is so relaxed, small and friendly.

"I just love people coming in and enjoying themselves and enjoying the town."

Pre-booking lines have now closed, but tickets for the various events will be available from the festival office caravan on the waterfront from 10am today (Friday). Cheques should be made payable to Upton-upon-Severn Folk Dance and Song Society, which is promoting the event, and have left details of it at Upton Tourism Information Centre, contactable on 01684 594200. Information also at www.uptonfolk.org.