A WORCESTERSHIRE town will be ringing to the sounds of red-hot jazz tomorrow as one of the top events in the Midlands' musical calendar gets underway.

Fans from all over Britain are expected to flock to the 17th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival, in Upton-upon-Severn.

This year's three-day bonanza promises to capitalise on the resounding success of previous festivals with a roster of names that are legends of British - and also European - jazz.

Featuring a vast choice of old-style New Orleans, Dixieland, Traditional, Swing or Hot Club, the festival will provide something for everyone.

Intimate venues

The sessions are held in three large marquees and one small piano bar marquee on Fish Meadow, next to the River Severn.

There are also more intimate venues in the town, including a unique site beneath the road on the west bridge abutment.

All the venues are within walking distance of each other and offer covered, seated accommodation.

The highlight of the festival will be Saturday morning's mardi gras parade through Upton. This will feature two marching bands, the Energy Dancers, and, as always, the "Secondliners", from the Parish Church to the riverside.

At 11am on Sunday, the festival church service at Upton Parish Church will take place. This features the Perdido Street Jazz Band, followed by a parade from the church to the river with Lamarotte, from Holland, and the Worcester Militia.

Among the bands making their first visit are Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen. The roster of newcomers will also feature the Warren Vache Quartet, from America, and Denny Hutchinson's Shades of Shearing.

Information is available from the Jazz Festival Office at 18 Riverside Close, Upton, on 01684 593254.

The ticket booth will be situated on Fish Meadow from tomorrow lunchtime until Sunday afternoon.

Tickets can also be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre, 4 High Street, Upton until the end of today, on 01684 594200.