Jazz festival swings into action

The renowned festival, which quite literally takes over the riverside town for three days a year, started in style today with performances from Bev Pegg & His Railroad Skiffle Group, John Petters International Band, Jive Aces, and the Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Whether the recent heavy rain continues to fall or the sun manages to break through, festival organisers hope this year is the best yet.

One of the main movers and shakers, Alan Buckley said the atmosphere was electric.

"There's a wonderful feeling," he said.

"Always when it's like this, when it looks like it could storm at any second, there is this funny feeling and there's this great togetherness. People is helping each other and everyone mucks in."

A little drizzle has never stopped them before but Mr Buckley said visitors should come prepared - with wellies and flip flops - just in case.

The much-anticipated jazz parade takes place tomorrow morning and sees two mardi gras bands, accompanied by the Energy Dancers and umbrella-weilding Second Liners, march through the streets of Upton, from the parish church to the riverside.

Also playing today are the Bourbon Street Stompers from Germany, Bill Bailey All-Stars Celebrity Jazz Band, Jazz Salon Rouge and Norman Thatcher's New Orleans Hula Band.

The festival, which started at 12noon today and goes on until 11pm on Sunday, features a wide variety of jazz styles, from New Orleans and Dixieland to traditional swing, jump-jive and hot club.

Musicians will play across eight venues, including a stage beneath the river bridge, and each marquee will have the atmosphere of famous jazz haunts from the 1920s and 30s.

There are also dozens of events taking place in the town's pubs.

Tickets to the festival are available from the festival office at 18 Riverside Close, Upton, Worcester, WR8 OJN.

Call 01684 593254 or email info@uptnjazz.co.uk for more information.

** See Monday's Worcester News for a full picture round-up of the festival