Thousands of revellers have been having fun in the sun at the UK’s biggest free blues festival.
Upton Blues Festival is taking place this weekend, with live music being played at venues all around the town yesterday, today (Saturday, July 16) and tomorrow.
The festival is returning after a two-year break, with organisers pledging to make it “better than ever”.
People are certainly enjoying themselves today, with large crowds filling venues around the town including the Riverside main stage next to the King’s Head, the Big Top at Upton Rugby Club, The Little Upton Muggery, The Swan and an acoustic stage at St Peter and St Paul’s Church.
A huge festival campsite on the other side of the river opened on Wednesday and thousands of visitors have since descended on the town.
Organisers say it is the people who pay to pitch their tents and caravans that enable the festival to remain free - there is no charge to access any of the live music venues throughout the weekend.
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Keith and Hazel Harper had come all the way from Aylesbury for the festival - a journey they have made with friends for six of the past seven years.
Many others had come for the day, with a huge number of live acts performing on each day of the festival.
What bands are playing Upton Blues Festival?
Headliners this year include Elles Bailey, the Folly Brothers, Kara Grainger, Mumbo Jumbo, Northsyde and The Cadillac Kings.
Sons of the Delta, an acoustic duo who have often played the Blues Cruises that traditionally formed part of the festival, missed out on an official slot as all the venues were full.
But in true festival style they have been playing impromptu gigs at the entrance to the rugby club and big top, drawing happy crowds of fans and passers-by.
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“The boat isn’t there anymore and the venues were full but we were in the area and thought we’d come and play the odd hour or so,” they said. “It’s a great festival.”
Rob Chandler was also at the festival, providing visitors with glittery make-up and spreading “good vibes and mental health awareness” as part of the VibeSpace campaign.
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