THOUSANDS of tickets have already been sold for this weekend’s star-studded International Upton Jazz Festival as the riverside town welcomes its annual musical extravaganza.

For the past week, an army of volunteers has been busy turning Fish Meadow into a festival site with five huge concert marquees springing up, camping pitches with shower and toilet blocks and a raft of portable offices.

And the town’s pubs, restaurants and shops are preparing for a bumper weekend as more than 12,000 jazz fans and tourists flock to its streets to soak up the carnival atmosphere.

Jon Parsons, festival spokesman, said more than 2,000 tickets had already been sold with thousands more jazz fans from as far afield as the United States expected to arrive today, tomorrow and Sunday.

“Ticket sales have been going exceptionally well,” said Mr Parsons.

“They have been flying off the shelves. And we comfortably expect another 1,000 by the time the festival opens at lunchtime today.”

Organisers have teamed up with Upton’s new Fringe Festival, which promises lots of free gigs in the town’s pubs and clubs, as well as street entertainment.

“We’re delighted to be working closely with the organisers of the fringe this year, and we’re confident it will attract a few hundred more punters to the town too,” said Mr Parsons.

The festival, now in its 26th year, promises more than 60 world-class gigs in five venues over the three days.

Headliners include man-of-the-moment Alan Barnes and trumpet maestro Guy Barker, along with Holby City actress Rebecca Grant, on stage with the high-energy dance band the Jive Aces.

Comedy and fine musicianship comes in the form of Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band, and there’s a gipsy jazz contingent too.

Seven 2010 British Jazz Awards winners and nominees are on the international bill.

On all three days, young jazz talent is celebrated in the Best of Young Jazz marquee, set to host virtuosos including Amy Roberts and the Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra among other up-and-coming stars.

Plus there’s the chance to join the daily Riverboat Shuffles aboard the MV Conway Castle, where on-board jazz bands play as the vessel sails up and down the picturesque river Severn.

There are two Mardi Gras-style parades through Upton’s streets tomorrow and Sunday, and a gospel church service at the parish church on Sunday.

In addition, festival-goers will be able to shop at dozens of trade stands, indulge in local beers from the Barbourne Cider and Perry Company and eat home-cooked food from artisan producers.

Day tickets start at £25, rising to £70 for a weekend pass lasting all three days.

Jazz starts at noon today – although the campsite was open to jazzers from 2pm yesterday – and runs until 11.30pm on Sunday night.

For more information or to buy tickets in advance, visit uptonjazz.co.uk or call the festival office on 01684 593254.

Tickets are also available on the gate.