A FESTIVAL that transforms the riverside town of Upton-upon-Severn into a blues haven is hoping for success after being shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Despite facing flooded stages and campsites with just five days to go, the organising committee of the Upton Blues Festival has been shortlisted in the Best Promoters Category of the UK Festival Awards for its heroic efforts during the wettest summer for 100 years.

Taking place in and around the town’s pubs, the free festival attracts more than 5,000 revellers to see 100 gigs and is the only blues festival shortlisted.

Now a registered charity, it is run by a committee of eight volunteers and costs £50,000 to stage.

Robin Staite, a trustee of the charity and committee member, said: “The Upton Blues Festival is a real jewel and a credit to the organising team.

“It has grown from a handful of enthusiasts 10 years ago putting on a few bands in local pubs to now attracting thousands of people from all over the country.

“Upton as a town benefits so much from the festival and hopefully this recognition will help the committee and the town to continue to take the festival forward together.”

He added the committee would take a moment to savour the nomination but has already turned to next year’s event.

“We want to continue the steady improvement we have achieved over the last few years.

“I’m sure we’ll raise a glass at the next committee meeting to toast the nomination.” Billed as the annual Oscars of the contemporary music festival business, the awards are considered the kite-mark for quality events.

The winners will be announced on Monday, December 3 during an awards dinner at the Roundhouse in London.

The festival returns over the weekend of July 19-21 in 2013.