NEARLY 30 marching bands will converge on a Worcestershire town this year to take part in the Severn Vale Marching Band Championship competition.

The Upton-upon-Severn Youth Band is to host this year's event on Upton Sports Field and has already received the maximum number of 28 entries for the one-day competition. Although it will provide free entertainment on the day, September 17, the event will be expensive to stage and the band is planning fund-raising events and asking for sponsorship.