Worcestershire | Archive | 2005 | July | 8
From the archive, first published Friday 8th Jul 2005.
THOUSANDS of music fans are expected to flood into Upton to take advantage of the town's biggest blues festival yet.
Now in its fourth year, the annual three-day festival, held in Upton's many pubs, has gone from strength to strength. Fifty bands and musicians have been confirmed to play this year, offering everything from soul to delta blues and swing.
Crowd-pleasers King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys will open the event on Friday, July 15.
Festival spokesman Rachael Willoughby said: "They're a very popular band and we could get anything up to 7,000 people coming to hear them."
Regulars such as Junior Hacksaw, Lightnin' Willie and the Poorboys and The Official Receivers will also be performing, as well as local favourites The Barflys, The Fabulous Boogie Boys and Med Snookes and the Good Scratch.
There will also be three workshops held over the weekend, where musicians will offer tips on slide guitar and boogie blues piano.
Camping is available on the sports field.
Ms Willoughby said: "We've spent about £17,000 on this year's festival and it's going to be the best yet."
Further information about all aspects of the festival can be found in programmes, which cost £2.50 and are available from Upton TIC, the Anchor Inn or online at www.uptonbluesfesti val.org.uk.
The festival is entirely free and sales of programmes help to raise vital funds.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008