Upton upon Severn Folk Festival

Every year, the historic market town of Upton-upon-Severn transforms into a lively hub of folk music and dance. For one weekend in late spring (around the May Bank Holiday), this charming riverside community embraces a warm, spirited celebration of tradition, as locals and visitors come together for concerts, ceilidhs and Morris dancing galore. Set against the backdrop of the gentle River Severn and the rolling Malvern Hills, the Upton Folk Festival feels like a big village party where families, friends and newcomers unite. The town's old streets and cozy pubs overflow with music sessions, workshops and impromptu gatherings, creating an atmosphere of joy, creativity and good nature.

Over the four-day festival, dozens of folk events take place in multiple venues: from traditional concerts in village halls and churches to open-air stages by the river. You can tap your toes to live bands on outdoor stages, join spontaneous ceilidh dances (complete with all the callers and jolly tunes), or watch the colourful Morris and other dance teams perform on the village green. Children and beginners are welcome to try simple dance steps in workshops, and the Acoustic Talent Contest gives budding musicians a friendly stage. Along the riverbank, craft stalls and local food vendors offer handmade wares and tasty village fare - from woolen scarves and folk CDs to ales, pies and preserves - adding a country-fair charm to the weekend.

A highlight of the festival is the Grand Procession on Sunday morning. It's a glorious parade where dozens of dancers and musicians in bright, whimsical costumes wind their way through the town. Border morris sides, clog dancers and dancers with handkerchiefs, accompanied by upbeat drummers and pipers, fill the streets with colour and rhythm. Shoppers and tourists step outside to applaud as the procession passes; shopkeepers often join in or play along. By the time the cascade of painted faces and jingling bells reaches the riverside, it feels like the whole town is celebrating folk tradition together.

In the evenings and between events, the festival's friendly vibe really kicks in at Upton's pubs and cafes. At any given time you might find open-mic folk sessions filling a snug inn, or locals and travellers swapping tunes by candlelight. Upton has nearly a dozen pubs (and even a riverboat bar) all joining the fun, so there's almost always live music spilling out onto the street. Folk clubs in town host singarounds, where anyone can perform or share songs. It's easy to make friends here - a common sight is a group of strangers forming a circle around a guitar or concertina and singing together as though they've been pals forever.

The fun doesn't stop at official events. The Upton Fringe scene means you often bump into surprise street entertainment - maybe a troupe of stilt-walking Morris characters or a juggler on the High Street - even impromptu dances under the old railway bridge. One unique treat is the 'Musical Meander' boat trip: hop on a small ferry or riverboat and float down the Severn while musicians serenade you from the deck. And if you need a break, the gentle riverbank and nearby parks are perfect for a picnic, with the Malvern Hills rising softly in the distance. Every corner of Upton feels a bit magical during the festival, day or night.

All told, the Upton Folk Festival is more than just a series of concerts - it's a warm-hearted community celebration. It's proud to have grown from a local gathering into a landmark folk event, yet it still feels family-run and welcoming. Whether you clap along to a brass band's hornpipe, learn a country dance step for the first time, or simply nurse a pint and smile at the next tune, you'll be embraced by friendly locals and fellow music lovers. Come sun or rain, the air is always filled with song and dance here. By the end of the weekend, even newcomers often leave with tired feet, a head full of new tunes, and a wide smile that lasts well after the final concert.