A much-loved jazz festival will return once again to celebrate 39 years of jazz in Upton.
The Upton Jazz Festival, which is widely regarded as one of the highlights for UK jazz, will be arriving in Upton this month.
Jazz enthusiasts will gather down by the riverside on June 26, 27 and 28 for the festival featuring musicians, local talent and a range of community events.
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It brings together both leading performers and emerging talent.
Alan Barnes, one of the acclaimed musicians attending the event, said: “Upton Jazz Festival is an annual highlight in the UK jazz calendar. Its continued success is easily explained.
“It takes place in a beautiful setting, has an attractive and diverse programme split between ticketed events and free pub and cafe gigs and, very importantly, nurtures lots of new talent.
“It provides opportunities for jazz musicians right across the spectrum and boosts the economy of the town.”
The festival offers a wide range of performances across nine different venues.
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The 2026 line-up includes acclaimed musicians John Hallam, Bruce Adams, Sarah Spencer, and Alan Barnes.
Organisers say the Upton Jazz festival programme has been designed to showcase a variety of music styles, such as electric folk, acid jazz, punk, soul, and even ukulele players performing jazz.
Having been founded four decades ago, the festival has grown, attracting people of all ages and visitors from across the country who want to experience live music against the backdrop of the River Severn.
“Our trusted regulars and quite a few newcomers have brought their tickets and are coming from far and wide,” said organiser Jon Pearson.
Mr Pearson said he is enthusiastic about the number of performers they have lined up this year.
He added: “120 plus young performers and 120 plus locals playing this year, so we continue to grow our community.”
Festival-goers will be invited to gather at the riverside at 11 am, where local primary school rising stars will feature, and then the festival will kick-start with a performance from Martin Allen.