GEORGE Melly, Digby Fairweather and Chris Barber are among the giants of jazz making their debut appearances at this year's Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival.

The three-day event at Upton, now in its 21st year, brings together dozens of performers from across the globe.

Whether your jazz taste is New Orleans, dixieland, trad, swing or hot club, you will be able to find it at the festival.

This year, a warm welcome is extended to the Big Chris Barber Band, George Melly and Digby Fairweather's Half Dozen, the Bourbon Street Stompers and Bev Pegg and his Railroad Skiffle Group, among others.

They join firm festival favourites such as the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band, and many more wild and wonderful outfits.

Malvern's own Chase Big Band also make their always-popular appearance.

As always, one of the highlights is the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday morning, which is being led by the Azaad Dhol Group from India, Lamarotte Holland and the Jubilee New Orleans Brass Band.

There is also a Sunday morning service in the parish church, followed by another parade.

Jazz sessions are held in four marquees over the river on Fish Meadow and four venues in the town itself, including one under the bridge.

Tickets for the festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday, June 23-25, are available in advance from the festival office on 01684 593254 or www.uptonjazz.co.uk.

They cost £45 for the weekend, £16 for Friday, £24 for Saturday and £20 for Sunday.