•    60 concerts in 7 venues over 3 days


•    5 riverside marquees seating 2,000 people


•    Artisan food producers; local ales and ciders; top-class trade stands


•    Winners from the 2011 Jazz Awards top the international bill


•    Best of Young Jazz celebrates rising stars of jazz world


•    Modern and swing jazz alongside jive, boogie and traditional New Orleans and Dixieland mix


•    Fantastic free Fringe Festival





ORGANISERS of the International Oliver Cromwell Upton Jazz Festival are gearing up to welcome a glittering international line-up for their 27th year down by the riverside. From June 22-24, stars from the global jazz stage will descend on Upton-upon-Severn for the world-renowned festival.





This year, more than 15,000 visitors will watch over 60 concerts in seven venues over the three days – and that’s without dozens of gigs taking place for the free Fringe Festival. In five enormous marquees on Fish Meadow, the jam-packed 2012 bill includes legends of the jazz world, from Chris Barber to man-of-the-moment Alan Barnes, saxy lady Karen Sharp and Robert Fowler – all 2011 British Jazz Award-winners and nominees.





Expect stunning performances from the likes of King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys. Saucy superstars Bob Kerr & His Whoopee Band will have punters rolling in the aisles, Ross Jive & Swing set will have them dancing and Dutch dudes Lamarotte will have the crowds up and singing. The carnival atmosphere continues with the famous umbrella-waving jazz parades through Upton’s winding streets on Saturday and Sunday, led by the Burlesque-dressed Energy Dancers. Plus hundreds will pack into Upton Parish Church for the gospel-style Sunday church service and yet more will sail down the River Severn aboard the MV Conway Castle for the daily New Orleans-style Riverboat Shuffles.





The festival-within-the-festival, the Best of Young Jazz, showcases the talents of rising stars of the jazz world. Last year, it was standing room only in the marquees, and the crowds wouldn’t let the teenage bands exit the stage. Jazz fans can again expect exceptional performances from young musicians and vocalists on a stage buzzing with raw energy and excitement. There are jam sessions too, for budding Chris Barbers and Cleo Laines.





Thousands of festival-goers will camp alongside the music venues, high above the River Severn on Fish Meadow. Dozens will moor up their bunting-clad boats alongside the riverside pubs and bars. And every hotel and B&B will be packed to the gunwhales as owners prepare for the influx.





Jon Parsons, spokesman for the 2012 festival said: “It’s an exceptional line-up this year, from homegrown talent to international superstars, including an incredible number of 2011 British Jazz Award-winners. Year after year, Upton attracts the cream of the jazz crop, and this year is no exception.





“Upton has, historically, focused on New Orleans and Dixieland jazz, but again this year, we’ve added some more mainstream, modern and swing bands to the mix too. There’s a real dance emphasis too.





“But though the music is world-class, the festival is much more than that. There are artisan food producers on Fish Meadow, local ciders and perry, unusual trade stands and a cracking party atmosphere.





“Upton’s pubs and restaurants are packed out with jazz fans and locals alike and the streets teem with festival-goers soaking up the atmosphere. It’s a fabulous weekend, whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or you’re just coming to socialize in the sunshine with family and friends.”





The music starts at noon on Friday, June 22 and runs through until 11.30pm on Sunday, June 24.





Tickets cost £25 for Friday, £35 for Saturday and £30 for Sunday. Weekend passes are just £70 and camping, £20 per person for the entire festival. Under-14s go free to the festival, as long as they’re accompanied by a paying adult and car parking is free to ticket-holders.





The festival is sponsored by The Elmley Foundation, Worcestershire Arts Council, Worcestershire Arts Education and Malvern Hills District Council.





 Visit www.uptonjazz.co.uk for more information on the line-up and to book, or call the festival office on 01684 594200.





Catch up with daily Upton Jazz Festival news, updates and videos at Twitter, @UptonJazz, and on Facebook, Upton Jazz Festival.

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