DECORATED umbrellas were an inspired accessory for some members of the parade at this year's jazz festival at Upton.

But despite the bleak skies, festival secretary Deirdre Thompson reported a good turn-out for the 15th International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival.

"As far as the jazz was concerned, it was a great festival," she said. "The town itself seemed to be quiet and I think possibly that was because it was so cold.

"All the people who came to watch the jazz just stayed in the venues and people who might otherwise have visited the town stayed away," she said.

The three-day musical bonanza featured 50 bands playing in 11 different venues. Visiting acts from abroad included bands from Hungary, Germany and the USA.

"The Hungarian band went down really well and other newcomers King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, from Birmingham, were very popular," said Mrs Thompson.

"They're not quite as traditional and their jazz includes a bit of rock and roll," she said.

The Upton festival is generally a venue for trad jazz with old favourites returning year after year, such as the Jimmy Rosenburg Quartet and the Dixieland Jazz Band.

"We're departing a little bit from that and widening the scope for people who prefer something a little less traditional," said Mrs Thompson.

For the first time, Hanley Castle High School hall was used as a venue and Mrs Thompson said this worked very well.

"We had a couple of antique buses which ferried people to and fro and I think we may try it again in the future," she said. "We reckon about 7,000 people came this year, which is slightly down on last year.

"As far as the event goes, it went very smoothly without any trouble."