MARCHING bands from across the country will be converging on Upton tomorrow (Saturday).

The town's sports field is playing host to the first-ever Severn Vale Marching Bands competition.

The event has been organised by friends and supporters of Upton Youth Band and is an official British Youth Band Association date.

"It's the last competition in the season before the finals, so it's a really important competition for all the bands taking part," said Nicky Taha, of Upton Youth Band.

No less than 28 bands are taking part, coming from all over the country. Nearly a thousand musicians will be performing on the town's sports field, off Old Street, from 9am until 6.30pm.

"There used to be a competition in Gloucester at this time of year, but that folded, so there was an empty slot in the competition diary," said Nicky.

Hard work by a committee of organisers, which included raising £1,500 to help fund the event, resulted in it coming to Upton.

"We're hoping it will become an annual event," said Nicky. "Upton Youth Band is taking part and they have been rehearsing really hard."

"We have had great support from the community and hope many local people will pop along," said organiser Lesley Probert.