THOUSANDS of families, friends and even faithful pets danced the weekend away at the fourth Upton International Music Festival.

More than 4,000 people turned out for the three-day event, which kicked off on Friday in Fish Meadow and boasted something for all.

There was a real family atmosphere with young and old enjoying performances from stars including 80s soul favourite Alexander O’Neal, Chesney Hawkes and West Country legends the Wurzels.

Also on the bill was Pershore resident Toyah Wilcox, Slade and the Official Bucks Fizz, who wowed the crowd with their skirt-raising classic Making Your Mind Up in the encore.

People even paid homage to some of the bands on stage by dressing in brightlycoloured gear from the 1960s and 70s.

Speaking to your Worcester News on Saturday, festival spokesman Steve High was in upbeat mood.

“It’s a great atmosphere,”

he said. “It’s going very well indeed. There were a few showers last night but people still came in which we’re really pleased about.

“We’ve got a new layout this year which we find is much better and spread out with three big arenas. With the three stages its working very well.”

Mary Bevan, aged 67, who was at the festival with her husband Dave, 65, and daughter-in-law Sarah and her partner Mark Roberts, said: “We’re having a lovely time.

“We’re really enjoying it.

It’s the first year we’ve come. We’re enjoying the music. It’s the 60s music we like.”

Seasoned festival-goers Mandy Winstanley, 43, of Redditch, was at the festival for the third time with her partner Mark Salter, 40, and her daughters Lucy, 12, and Laura, 11.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said.

“It’s been really good this year.

“The line-up is absolutely brilliant – we’ve done quite a few festivals this year but this one is the best.” Kylie Jones, 25, of Stour-port, was enjoying the cider on offer next to the second stage with her friend Sophie Bellamy, 25.

“It’s our first time here,”

she said. “There’s a good atmosphere. We want to see the Luminites. It’s a bit different. It’s really good, there’s a lot to do.”

There were squeals of excitement at the second stage when a group of teenagers met three of the four members of Britain’s Got Talent finalists The Luminites, who performed on Saturday.

Rachel Peake, 14, of Staffordshire, said: “They are really nice. We are all really happy.”

Her friend Jorgia Kilkenny, 14, said: “It was amazing.

They are really nice. We mostly came here to see them, they are