THE riverside town of Upton was filled with the colourful sights and sounds of the ann ual folk festival over the weekend.

Performers took to the streets to dance and entertain visitors with their unique style despite earlier concerns that the bad weather and flooding would force the popular event to be cancelled.

The flood waters did force the campsite to move location, but festival organiser Richard Hannah said the dilemma over whether to hold the event was quickly solved thanks to the support of businesses in Upton.

He said: “We have had a tremendous response from local people and farmers. At the beginning of the week I thought, should we cancel?

But by the end of Monday people had come forward to help us.”

The traditional run of stalls along the riverside were also at risk earlier in the week as the Environment Agency worked to complete the wall along the bank in time.

“It could have been a lot harder this year,” said Mr Hannah. “But the support we have had from everyone and from the Environment Agency has made it happen.

“The turnout and enjoyment is up compared with years gone by. We have the biggest venue yet at Upton Parish Church. I am extremely pleased with it and I am grateful to the committee and the customers, as ever, for their support.”

During the 23rd folk festival a variety of performers at both free and ticketed events entertained revellers in venues and on the streets.

One group, the Aelfgythe, of Alvechurch, near Bromsgrove, said they enjoyed the atmosphere of the event. Jez Taylor, aged 60, who plays the djembe drum in the group, said: “This is the fourth year I have been to Upton Folk Festival. We love it here, you can’t fault it. There are some cracking sights from all over the country and it is nice wandering about.”

Other dance groups from the county included Belly Fusion Dance Collective, who travel each year from Stourport-on-Severn to debut their new dance theme. Creative director Kelly Whitehouse, said: “This year our theme is sublime circus. Today was the first time we did the routine in front of an audience. I love this festival.”