THE hot sounds of traditional and classic jazz will once again ring throughout the streets of a Worcestershire town next month.

The 19th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival, to be held at Upton-upon-Severn, over the weekend of June 25, 26, 27, promises three days of music, merriment and mayhem.

And already, Upton's musical milestone looks like being bigger and better than ever, thanks to soaring ticket sales.

Featuring more than 60 bands playing old-style New Orleans, Dixieland, Traditional, Swing, Hot Club, Django, Jump Jive or Comedy styles, there will be something for everyone.

This year is no exception. And, for the first time, there will even be a session of Beatles music, plus a Lonnie Donegan tribute band appearing at Upton for the first time.

The sessions are held in three large marquees and two smaller venues, one named Tommy's Bar/Jazz Garden the other Django's where the guitar groups are scheduled to play.

The focus of the festival will be a number of marquees on Fish Meadow. Riverside camping, caravans, plus parking is also provided and numerous stalls will be selling a variety of items, ranging from food to musical instruments.

In the town itself, a choice of more intimate venues is on offer, including a unique session beneath the road on the West Bridge abutment, where fans can listen to jazz while watching the riverboats pass by.

All sites are within walking distance of each other and offer covered seated accommodation.

Visitors will be able to buy a day or weekend stroller ticket and wander around the venues. Sessions start on Friday at midday and continue until 11.50pm on Sunday.

The highlight of the festival will be the Saturday morning Mardi Gras Parade through Upton featuring two marching bands, the Energy Dancers and members of the crowd who traditionally fill the town with a huge splash of colour. Visitors will be able to follow the bands from the parish church to the riverside in true New Orleans style.

Organiser "Sir" Alan Buckley told the Evening News: "We're really pleased with the progress of this year's festival. Already, ticket sales are up by 10 per cent.

"It all bodes very well for a bumper session.

THIS YEAR'S LINE UP...

THIS year's festival has a truly international flavour.

This year sees the first visit of The Old Fashioners (Holland), Jack Kid Carter, Jive Aces, Annie Noel, Matt Palmer's Millennium Jazz Band, New Stompers, Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, T J Johnson Jazz and Blues Band, T J Johnson's Bourbon Kick, Rae Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band, Some Like it Hot, All That Jazz, Doctor Teeth Big Band and Accrington Stanley. Many favourite bands are on return visits, including favourites Lamarotte from Holland and the Budapest Ragtime Band of Hungary.

Full camping/caravanning facilities and free parking are available for ticket holders only on Fish Meadow by the jazz marquees.

Children aged 14 and under have free admission, as long as they are accompanied by an adult ticketholder. Discounts are available if tickets are booked in advance by Saturday, June 19.

For a booking form and information contact the Festival Office, 18 Riverside Close, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcester WR8 0JN telephone/fax 01684 593254 or e-mail: info@uptonjazz.co.uk

The Festival website is at http://www.uptonjazz.co.uk