JAZZ legends Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk are just two of the top performers lined up for the annual Upton-upon-Severn jazz festival taking place this weekend.

This year will be the 20th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival to be staged in the picturesque south Worcestershire riverside town.

It will be taking over Upton from tomorrow until Sunday. Kenny is bringing his Jazzmen on Friday and Acker and his Paramount Jazz Band are on stage on Saturday.

There will also be appearances from the likes of the Pasedena Roof Orchestra (Sunday), King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys (Friday), Phil Mason's New Orleans All Stars (Sat/Sun), Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band (Sat/Sun) and the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra (Sun).

Coming in from the US is the Hanna Richardson Trio and from Holland is Lamarotte and from Denmark the Bla Mandag Jazz Band.

Newcomers include Dave Stradwick's Sussex Jazz Kings, Ralph Allin Quartet, Henry Bootblacks, the Sue Richardson Quintet, Spike 'Fingers' Botterill and the Elgar School of Music Jazz Band.

The festival's eight venues will include the usual marquees, as well as Tommy's Bar Jazz Garden on Fish Meadow, the unique stage beneath the bridge and other places around the town.

The music all begins at noon tomorrow, with camping facilities open this afternoon.

One highlight festival-goers will not want to miss is the Saturday morning Jazz Parade through Upton which will feature two marching bands, dancers and the Second Liners with their colourful decorated umbrellas.

Tickets are available on the day or in advance from the festival office at 18 Riverside Close, 01684 593254, see www.uptonjazz.co.uk.