DAY after day of scorching sun... and then those heavens opened up.

Anyone would be forgiven for thinking that nothing could be worse for the prospects of a three-day music bash.

But the organisers of the annual Upton Jazz Festival are made of stern stuff.

And despite torrential rain on Friday that sent visitors running for cover, committee members and volunteers moved into top gear to make the Severn-side town's 20th session one to remember.

And that wasn't all - for on Saturday, there was a power cut which, although a great inconvenience, didn't stop more than 50 headline acts from soldiering on.

But if Saturday's weather was mixed, Sunday dawned fair - and then temperatures pushed up the mercury as well as the tempo.

The ground on Fish Meadow rapidly dried out and the crowds poured in from far and near.

Organiser 'Sir' Alan Buckley said: "We've never let the weather beat us. People remember 1997 when the river almost burst its banks. But everyone worked together, carrying on even during lightning strikes."

For three days over the weekend, Upton was a riot of colour, particularly during the Saturday morning parade, when the town rang to the sounds of a New Orleans-style mardi gras.

Led by the Energy Dancers, the roads became a swirling sea of umbrellas.

Then on Sunday, the parish church was packed for the traditional jazz service.

Worcestershire was musically represented by the Midland Youth Jazz Orch-estra, Elgar School of Music Jazz Band and The Chase Big Band.

Next year will mark the 21st anniversary of the festival. So what's in store for this musical milestone?

"This will be our coming of age," said 'Sir' Alan.

"We will obviously keep the traditional jazz fans happy, but we hope we'll also spring a few surprises, too."

So it's a case of see you next year... down by the riverside.