THE streets of Upton-upon-Severn will come to life this weekend.

The 2008 Upton Folk Festival, which starts today, is expected to draw thousands of revellers to the riverside town.

Crowds will be entertained by some of the UK's most respected folk musicians performing throughout the town, an abundance of morris dancers and late-night ceilidhs.

This year's festival will have an emphasis on free fringe events - such as the annual street parade - in the hope of enticing a record number of visitors.

Lisa Warburton, one of the organisers, said: "We're trying to get as many folk into Upton this year to help the townsfolk and businesses recover from last year's flooding.

"There's loads of extra free fringe, plus a huge list of ticketed events."

Performing today is family-friendly guitarist/comic Keith Donnolly and female comic trio Dangerous Curves.

Over the weekend, festival-goers will see a host of local talent play live, followed by folk legend Roy Bailey on Monday.

Daily concerts will be held in the main marquee behind Upton Social Club and there will also be opportunity to take part in music workshops, a craft fair, and annual duck race.

For more information see the festival website www.uptonfolk.org