PUBS in Upton will echo to the soulful sound of the blues with the return of what looks like becoming an annual event.

About 3,000 people attended last year's debut of the Upton Blues Festival and organisers are expecting closer to 8,000 this year.

A line-up of 20 acts has been put together for the free event, which starts on Friday, July 18, and has been extended to three days.

Bands and musicians performing at pubs throughout the town include Claude Bourbon, The Barflys, Groovyhead and Will Killeen.

A notable addition this year is the first outdoor venue, underneath the road bridge over the River Severn.

Other gigs will take place at most of Upton's pubs, from the riverside venues of the Plough, King's Head, Star Inn and Swan to Little Upton Muggery at the other end of the town.

The festival has been put together by an eight-strong committee. Money raised from events throughout the year go towards publicity, while pub landlords pay for the acts themselves. Merchandise, from CDs to T-shirts, will be on sale during the festival.

Spokesman Rachael Willoughby said the event was intended to be an ongoing attraction in Upton.

"We don't want it to grow too big, we want it to be in the town, not in a field," she said.

"It's somewhere to come for a fantastic atmosphere, great music and all for free!"

For more information on the festival, call 01684 592146 or visit www.uptonbluesfestival.org.uk.