Upton Jazz festival

Kick off summer in style at the Upton Jazz Festival, where the quaint riverside town of Upton-upon-Severn is transformed into a swingin' hotspot. For three days each year in June, the streets and pubs buzz with live jazz, blues and vintage swing tunes. Locals and visitors of all ages come together to groove to infectious rhythms, soaking up the festival’s friendly community atmosphere. You might dance along the riverbank in the sunshine or relax at a cozy pub with a cold drink as a brass band plays. No matter how you join in, the weekend is all about fun, foot-tapping music and making new friends.

The music isn’t confined to one spot - it flows through Upton like the river itself. Pub gardens host intimate blues combos, outdoor lawns become stages for swingin' big bands, and historic halls and churches ring with lively jazz and saxophone solos. Best of all, many performances are free to the public, so you can wander the town and sample something new at every corner. One moment you could be clapping along to a sunny riverside concert, and the next discovering a vocal jazz trio in a cozy café.

Expect a wide mix of jazz styles - from 1920s New Orleans hot jazz to smooth modern blues. You might hear a lively brass band on the promenade one minute, then settle in for a mellow guitar-and-vocal set the next. Even the young ones get their spotlight: the festival's Rising Stars stage features talented youth and school bands, giving future jazz heroes a chance to shine. With surprises around every corner, there's always something fresh to discover - maybe a foot-stomping tap dance here or a soulful piano ballad there.

It is truly an all-ages celebration - even well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Children can join in music-themed workshops and even try out instruments, while adults sample local food and drink from festive stalls and pubs. There’s something for every taste, from wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers to cream teas and craft ales. Everywhere you look, people are picnicking on the grass, tapping their toes on pub benches, and enjoying every moment of the laid-back, friendly vibe.

The backdrop is as lovely as the music. Imagine strolling along the banks of the River Severn or pausing on one of Upton's charming bridges, with jazz notes drifting around you. Historic landmarks like the quirky Pepperpot clock tower and the Tudor House add old-world charm, especially in the golden afternoon light. When night falls, lanterns and fairy lights sparkle in the trees and the lively tunes continue under the stars - there might even be a spontaneous riverside jazz jam at the end of the day. In Upton, the jazz party really lasts all weekend long.

More than 30 years old now, Upton Jazz has become a beloved tradition; its friendly vibe is a highlight of summer for families, couples and music lovers. Check the festival program to plan your favorite concerts, or simply go with the flow. Either way, you'll soon feel like part of the Upton family of jazz enthusiasts. By Sunday you'll be leaving with a smile, already humming a new tune to carry you through the year.

So grab your hat and dancing shoes - the next Upton Jazz Festival comes 26-28 June 2026! Let the spirit of jazz move you, and get ready for another unforgettable weekend of toe-tapping fun by the river.