IT has been revealed that Upton's biggest festival contributed more than £800,000 to the town's economy last year.

Upton Blues Festival made the huge contribution for its event in June which has not only benefitted the riverside town, but the financial benefits of the popular music event have rippled throughout surrounding towns and villages too.

The figure is calculated through what visitors spend during their time in Upton, and what local suppliers are paid to ensure the event can go ahead- this year’s event made more than three times the amount than it did three years ago.

Oliver Carpenter, chair of the voluntary organising committee, said: "Each year we set up a campsite from scratch for around 3000 people, and we get thousands of day visitors from across Wales and the Midlands.

"Wherever possible the festival buys its services, other than the musicians, from local companies so from fencing to toilets, security to PA’s and more, it all comes from the Upton or Worcestershire area.

"To generate this much income for the town’s businesses, and generate such a lot of awareness of the attractive town we have, is very important to the organising committee."

The research was carried out by Malvern Hills District Council.

The festival attracts more than 15,000 visitors each year from all over the country, and last year won the Festival of the Year in the British Blues Awards 2015.

It has also pledged £40,000 to the town council so Upton's currently out of us tennis courts can be transformed into a multi-use games area with football, tennis and basketball facilities.

This year's event will go ahead in July, between the 15th and 17th and is expected to feature more than 120 performances throughout the weekend.

Mike Ostick, vice chairman of Upton Business Association, said: "The association is pleased to see the report, as it's very good news for the town.

"We have asked for more detail as to how the final figure was arrived at, but are pleased with the news."