Final preparations are taking place in Upton as the town gets ready to welcome the giants of the jazz world.

Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball are among the big names taking part in this year's International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival, which gets under way this evening (Friday).

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys and Henry's Bootblacks will also be performing at the event, which runs until Sunday (June 26). Organisers say the festival, now in its 20th year, looks set to attract more than 2,000 visitors.

"It's looking good, tickets are selling very fast and I think it'll be a big one," said organiser Alan Buckley.

Local bands, the Chase Big Band and Worcestershire Youth Orchestra, will perform alongside acts from Holland, Denmark and America. Fish Meadow will be the hub of the festival, although bands will perform at a variety of venues across the town.

Jazz cruises on the MV Conway Castle will take place Saturday and Sunday, with a jazz parade through the town centre at 11.30am on Saturday. A smaller parade takes place after the festival service at Upton Parish Church at 11am.

Weekend tickets are £45, day tickets £16 to £24. Car, caravan and camping tickets £20. To book, call 01684 593254.