THE flags are flying, marquees are up, the beer is on tap and thousands of music fans are about to flock to the 31st annual Upton-upon-Severn Jazz Festival.
The first bands are on stage tonight (Thursday) as pubs, clubs, hotels and even the space underneath the historic river bridge become venues for 60 concerts over four days.
A French theme runs through this year’s festival with Hot Antic Jazz Band from Marseille, Paris-based Montparnasse and Hippocampus Jass Gang, who are enjoying rave reviews on their European tour.
A glittering Mardi Gras-style parade will weave through Upton’s streets on Saturday; music fans will be spilling out the door of the parish church on Sunday for the renowned jazz service and riverboat revellers will party aboard the Conway Castle all weekend.
From Dixieland to hot club jazz, European to gypsy and trad, the festival offers something for everyone – including a huge dance section led by the incredible London Swing Orchestra.
Classes for beginners and experienced dancers alike take place across the weekend as lindyhoppers fill the floors of huge Dance@Upton marquees in the Festival Village.
Rising stars of the jazz world are celebrated in the Best of Young Jazz marquee.
Top of the under-25s bill is 19-year-old saxophonist Alexander Bone, who played live on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch programme last weekend to promote the festival, along with international singer-songwriter Laura Mvula.
The star-studded line-up includes gypsy jazz maestro Remi Harris, British Jazz Award-winners like Alan Barnes and boogie woogie king Carl Sinclair.
They’re joined by the FB Pocket Orchestra, the indomitable Jake Leg Jug Band and the incredible Red Strip band.
“The festival is going to be absolutely brilliant,” said musical director Rachel Hayward, who, along with a dedicated festival committee, has spent a year planning this year’s event.
“I’ve had so many texts and emails over the past few days from bands who can’t wait to play.
“Everyone’s going to be here, everyone’s going to have an absolute ball.”
Rachel wants families to come along for the Upton experience.
“We just want people to come and taste the festival,” added Rachel. “Because when people come, they love it.
“It’s not like listening to music in a concert hall. The festival gigs are something you can dip in and out of, where you can pop in and dance or just chill out and enjoy the music on the grass.
“And looking at the forecast for the weekend, even the weather’s going to be with us.”
Day tickets cost from £28, weekend tickets are £78 and camping costs £30 per person for the weekend.
Book at www.uptonjazz.co.uk or call 01684 593254.
