THOUSANDS of visitors were tapping their toes at the International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival at Upton-upon-Severn last weekend.

A wide range of bands, including musicians from Holland, Hungary and the USA performed under canvas in Fish Meadow at the event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday .

Music was also played at venues all over town and even under the bridge.

Organisers of this year's event, the 18th jazz festival in Upton, said things went with a swing, despite Saturday's torrential rain.

Dierdre Thompson, festival secretary for Upton Jazz Association, said: "It went very well. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't terribly good on Saturday and that does affect the number of casual visitors. However, but I think everybody had a good time and enjoyed the bands."

Problems with the viaduct leading to Upton Bridge meant using an alternative vehicular access to Fish Meadow.

Festival organiser 'Sir' Alan Buckley said: "The new entrance worked very, very well and the police were very happy."

Mr Buckley said all the bands at the festival were of a very high standard.

"It was a shame about the weather but everybody enjoyed themselves and there weren't many complaints, everything went smoothly."