TORRENTIAL rain and rumbles of thunder failed to dampen spirits at the Upton Blues Festival this weekend.

Music fans young and old defied the downpours, donned their wellies and enjoyed three days of blues in Upton-upon-Severn.

Returning for its 13th year, the Upton Blues Festival kicked off on Friday and attracted 100 performances over the three days across three stages, nine pubs and a boat.

Up to 12,000 people - including 2,000 campers - enjoyed music from performers including Laurence Jones, Souled Out 2 Funk, Larry Miller and festival patron Benny Gallagher.

Thunderstorms forced organisers to move some bands from the Riverside stage to the Memorial Hall on Saturday but that did not stop revellers enjoying the music.

Sue Merricks, 59, of Astley, near Stourport-on-Severn, who was enjoying the event with family and friends including her granddaughter said: "We're having a fabulous time.

"Apart from the thunderstorms last night. But never mind we love the music we come very year. We've been coming for about eight years. We love it, we love the atmosphere, the music. It's great."

Camper Amanda Bagnall, 49, of High Green, near Worcester,who had come to the event with family, said: "Despite the rain I'm loving it. Nobody cares, they just don their wellies, the facilities are absolutely brilliant.We came last year and had a fabulous time. It's a brilliant atmosphere."

Visitors came from far and wide to enjoy the festival including Teresa Bosio, 62, who travelled from Jersey.

"We've been here about four or five times, it's brilliant," she said. "Obviously the weather makes it but you can't do much about that. It's not just for old people, it's for everyone. It's very much a family thing."

Donna Beach, 48, who came from Wales, who was dodging the downpours in one of the town's pubs with her husband Anthony, 65, said: "I'm having a brilliant time.The weather's not so good but it's warm, plenty of shelter, lots to see and you've got friendly vibes. It's very relaxed."

Grahame Bunn, festival committee member, said: "Friday night was just wonderful. The place was heaving everyone was bouncing up and down cheering and clapping and having a lovely time.

"People don't necessarily know about it but people come back year after year. It's just fantastic. They love it. It really is special event."