THE Upton Blues Festival takes place this weekend with the knowledge that it is officially The Best Blues Based Festival in the UK.

That glowing accolade, making the riverside town the beating heart of British blues, was awarded recently at the first ever Form UK Blues Federation Awards, 2018.

That’s a lot to live up to, but the festival, which runs from today (July 20) to Sunday (July 22), has the line up and the setting to prove a point.

The spokesman added: “Set in the beautiful Worcestershire riverside town of Upton upon Severn, Upton Blues Festival has grown from a small event in 2001 in just a couple of pubs into a festival that fills the town with many thousands of music fans and ten pub venues creating over 130 free performances in three days.”

There are three main stages, and acts will include The Stumble, The Mentulls, Swampgrass, The Quireboys, Jo Harman, Birmingham Community Gospel Choir, Ma Polaine’s Great Decline, Bex Marshall Trio, Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band and many more.

Among the many talented acts at Upton this year will be the Scottish alternative blues troubadour Dave Arcari, who will be returning to Upton a part of an ongoing tour to promote his latest single.

A spokesman said: “Whisky Trail reveals another side to Arcari who is known mainly for his slashing slide guitar work, showcasing his banjo playing and a mellower side to his songwriting and performance.

“It’s available to stream and download via Spotify, Apple Music and all digital services.”

Arcari has just returned from a run of shows in Netherlands and Germany and after Upton he will play at a series of UK festivals.

Blue Festival details: https://www.uptonbluesfestival.com/