Popular jazz festival to take over the town

Report by Catherine Phillips

27 June 2008

THOUSANDS of music fans will be flocking to Upton-upon-Severn this weekend for the long-established Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival.
Visitors to the town will be able to listen to a vast array of jazz styles - from Dixieland to comedy and traditional - during the three day event which begins today (Friday).
The festival is internationally renowned and draws top acts including homegrown acts and bands from across the world.
Among this year’s line up will be the Budapest Ragtime Band, Denmark’s Bla Mandag Jazzband and Susan Valliant Speer from the USA.
Many people camp out during Upton Jazz and it is tradition for people to wear bright costumes, masks or carry colourful umbrellas.
Performances take place in the Fat’s, Oliver’s and Satchmo’s marquees as well as the popular Jazz Garden and Tommy’s Bar on Fish Meadow adjacent to the River Severn.
Jazz lovers can also catch acts performing in unique venues including beneath the Upton Bridge abutment and aboard the MV Conway Castle to cruise the river while listening to music.
Chris Walker is one of 50 band leaders involved.
He said: “One of many highlights of the festival will be the Saturday morning parade with two Mardis Gras bands and a huge splash of colour from the brightly decorated umbrellas the crowds bring along.”
There will also be a Sunday morning church service at Upton Parish Church which is followed by a second jazz parade.
Youngsters will also be performing during the three days with several school and youth bands on the bill.
They include Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, Chipping Campden School Swing Band and Chase Band Malvern.
As well as the music there will also be a selection of stalls selling items such as jewellery and clothes as well as refreshments.
Weekend tickets on the day cost £55.
Anyone wanting more information should log on to www.uptonjazz.co.uk.

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