SONG and dance will take over the streets and pubs of Upton as the annual Riverside Folk Festival returns.

Now in its 15th year, the festival, organised by the Upton Folk Dance and Song Society, features a huge list of dance sides, choirs, chorus groups, shanties and Ceilidh bands from Friday to Monday, May 2-5.

Artists include Colum Sands, Cuckoo Oak, Fastest to Canada, Firebrand, the Barley Rye Choir, Grand Union Union with Martyn Harvey and a catalogue of workshops and sessions.

One of the colourful highlights of the festival will be the grand procession going through the town, watched by hundreds of onlookers.

The festival was founded by a group of friends who attended a folk club at The Three Kings pub in Hanley Castle. The first festival began on July 9, 1989 and has grown and matured ever since.

Last year a new marquee was added to the list of venues and there were a massive 50 Morris sides dancing across the town. A similar spectacle is expected this year.

Tickets for the weekend are £35 or £18 for children. A family ticket is £90. Camping is also available for visitors.

For more information visit www.uptonfolk.org, email boxoffice@uptonfolk.org or call the message service on 07816 022839.