THE rhythms of red-hot jazz will once again turn up the heat this summer as a Worcestershire town hosts one of the top events in the Midlands' musical calendar.

Over the weekend of June 28-30, Upton-upon-Severn will reverberate to the sights and sounds of the 17th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival, an annual event that pulls in the crowds from far and wide.

This year's three-day bonanza promises to capitalise on the resounding success of previous festivals with a roster of names that are legends of British - and also European - jazz.

For whether a person's taste is old-style New Orleans, Dixieland, traditional, swing or hot club, there will be something for everyone.

The sessions are held in three large marquees and one small piano bar marquee on Fish Meadow, which is next to the River Severn. There are also more intimate venues in the town, including a unique site beneath the road on the west bridge abutment.

All the venues are within walking distance of each other and offer covered, seated accommodation.

The highlight will be the Saturday morning mardi gras parade through Upton. This will feature two marching bands, the Energy Dancers, and, as always, the "Secondliners", who never fail to fill the town with a huge splash of colour from their decorated umbrellas as they follow the musicians, in true New Orleans style, from the parish church to the riverside.

At 11am on the Sunday, the festival church service at Upton Parish Church will take place. This will showcase the talents of the Perdido Street Jazz Band and singers, followed by a parade from the church to the river with Lamarotte from Holland and the Worcester Militia.

Festival organiser "Sir" Alan Buckley told the Evening News: "A new development this year will be a special slot for jump-jive bands. We will be staging gigs by King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, who have appeared at Upton before, and also newcomers Brasshoppers.

"Instead of being based on Fish Meadow, the Hot Club groups will be playing at the Talbot Hotel. However, we are aiming to make the festival more compact this year by not having a venue at Hanley Swan."

Among the bands making their first visit are Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen. The veteran bandleader has suffered from ill-health in recent times, but he and his stalwarts of trad are expected to put on their customary action-packed show. The roster of newcomers will also feature the Warren Vache Quartet from America and Denny Hutchinson's Shades of Shearing.

"Sir" Alan added: "We have high hopes for this year's festival. Last year there was the best attendance ever - and we aim to beat that. Let's hope the sun brings out the crowds. So - see you all down by the riverside".