THE UK’s biggest free blues festival returns next month to the riverside town of Upton.

Two main stages, an acoustic stage and other venues will host 135 bands – more than ever before – during the

event on Friday-Sunday, July 21-23.

New this year will be an outdoor bar at the Meadow Stage, a new stage in the campsite and street performers.

Grahame Bunn, the festival’s new chairman, said: "2017 marks something special. Ten years ago, the entire town was overwhelmed by the River Severn, with some of the worst floods outside winter for generations.

"Yet, somehow, the music and the party went on, and a decade later the festival is stronger than ever. It’s that kind of spirit that makes Upton Blues what it is, and we have our great visitors to thank for that.

"That’s why we strive to make the event bigger and better, every single year. It’s all for them.’"

Artists from across the world will grace the Riverside Stage, the Meadow Stage and the Acoustic Stage, so festivalgoers can expect to be treated to some of the finest blues music around.

If that’s not enough, 11 of the town’s venues will be getting in on the action. Mr Bunn said: "That brings another dynamic, as the bands in those venues tend to offer newbie blues fans a flavour of the genre, while mixing it in with other styles of blues-influenced music. It keeps the party going."

Another first is the introduction of street performers on the Saturday."We think it’ll be a nice addition for our festival guests. It’ll certainly be a fun surprise, anyway, especially when they see what we have planned," said Mr Bunn.

As a registered charity, the festival gives a great deal back to the town. Last year, more than £40,000, raised by the event, was spent turning the town’s rundown tennis courts into a multi-use play area for local children. In addition, over £8,000 was invested in programmes for local schools.

And the festival brings in over £800,000 to the local economy. Former mayor Tim Dance said: "We are privileged to host this event and residents certainly benefit from it. Long may it continue."