THIS year's free Blues Festival in Upton-upon-Severn is set to be the biggest yet, bringing nearly 50 bands to the town's pubs next month.

Newcomers will join old favourites for the fourth annual blues festival during the weekend of Friday, July 15, to Sunday, July, 17.

Guaranteed to set the festival swinging is Friday night's performance by King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys in a marquee behind the King's Head, with a blend of 1940s Kansas City jazz and blues.

Publicity officer Rachael Willoughby said: "We are delighted such a big name band will be opening the festival. They are guaranteed to pull the crowds in."

On Saturday night, Lightnin' Willie makes an appearance.

Festival organiser Stuart McEwan, of Ye Olde Anchor Inn said: "He was such a big pull last year that the Star Hotel was overcrowded and we have had to put him under the Bridge so that more people can see him."

Also appearing on Saturday night, this time at the Anchor, is Adrian Byron Burns, with his distinctive blend of jazz, blues, rock and R & B.

Mike Sanchez, who is the keyboard player in Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, will perform under the Bridge on Sunday night.

Festival organisers have pulled out all the stops to make sure there is something for everyone this year and with 48 bands playing at 12 different venues, no one should be disappointed.

New this year is the addition of a gospel choir, IDMC, who will perform under the Bridge on Sunday morning.

The concerts are free to the public, thanks to fund-raising events, help from local businesses, a Lottery grant and money put in by the publicans, who hire the bands to play in their pubs.

Programmes giving details of bands and playing times will be available next week, from Upton Tourist Information Centre, the Anchor Inn, or via www.uptonbluesfestival.org.uk