UPTON Jazz Festival enjoyed another success as it took over the town once again.

Live performances started last Friday evening before an official opening ceremony was delivered at the Swan Hotel on Saturday, June 29, kicking off a packed weekend of music.

Nine venues in Upton on Severn were used across the weekend, with a mixture of ticketed events and more than 30 free performances offered as part of the festival programme.

Worcestershire County Council councillor, Martin Allen, who represents Upton upon Severn, said: "The festival was a wonderful success - we had lots of positive comments from those who visited during the weekend.

"I can't thank the Upton Jazz Festival team enough for their efforts. They put so much time and love into organising the event."

The festival's main concert programme featured many of Britain's best jazz musicians playing sold out shows in Upton's Memorial Hall and Parish Church.

Other venues used across the weekend included the White Lion, The Boathouse, Bar Seven, and the Little Upton Muggery, with performances concentrated on Old Street, High Street, and waterside.

Alongside established jazz performers, the festival highlighted emerging talents through Rising Stars shows and held its Fringe programme at the Swan Hotel throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Cllr Allen added: "I was at the Swan on Sunday evening watching Broad Mill Stream perform, and plenty were there for the performance despite England's game being televised around the same time.

"Upton has the Blues Festival coming up too, so I think the town is really developing a reputation as Worcestershire's festival capital."

With sold out shows throughout, Upton Jazz Festival brought an influx of visitors into the town across the weekend.

Cllr Allen said: "It brings in a lot of people from outside the local area and supports local businesses.

"Those businesses really rely in these types of events, and plenty of Upton's  visitors end up falling in love with the place once they arrive.

"Upton continues to thrive!"

Upton upon Severn's next major event is the Upton Blues Festival, which runs from Friday, July 19 until Sunday, July 21.