The sound of music returned to Upton this weekend with jazz filling the town’s bars and pubs.

With the annual Upton Jazz Festival cancelled for the second year running, organisers were able to ensure the town of didn’t go another year without live music with the Upton Day of Jazz on Saturday, October 2.

Visitors were treated to music across five of the town’s venues, despite the gloomy weather trying its best to dampen spirits.

The one-day festival was kickstarted by performances from Gloucester Youth Jazz and Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Organiser Jon Parsons said: “Parents and grandparents were thrilled to see their talented young people on stage after the challenges of the last eighteen months.”

Festival goers filled out Upton’s pubs and cafes all day long, with many booking hotel rooms or organising camping to stay the night.

Kyle Hassall is the owner of three of the venues involved in the event; Bar 7, The Boathouse, and Mojitos.

He said: “It was great to have signs, albeit on a smaller scale, of the festivals returning to Upton.

“Live music has been missed and we’ve found locals really responsive to all our live music events in the past few months , it really does put a smile on people’s faces and brings back the “buzz“ to Upton.”

Among the acts who took to the stage were Malvern’s Touch of Jazz, Manteca from Stroud and Tunehead of Gloucestershire.

Oliver Carpenter, currently a member of Mumbo Jumbo and previously of Upton Blues, commented on the pleasures of getting back to playing to a live audience and hoped that Upton and its festivals would be back on song next year. He congratulated the venues for rising to the challenge, supporting the Jazz and encouraging the return of live music.

Speaking before the event, Malvern Hills District councillor Daniel Walton, portfolio holder for tourism and economic development, said: "We are really proud to be supporting this event and look forward to seeing the town packed with both residents and visitors enjoying the free music and great atmosphere.

“We have provided £2,500 from the ERDF Welcome Back Fund which enables entry to be free to all venues, and will also help to encourage footfall into the town."

The Jazz Festival will return its entirety on the last weekend in June, 2022.