HIGH winds and rain weren't able to dampen the spirits of visitors to the Upton Blues Festival.

Organisers believe there may even have been record crowd numbers this year after they had more campers than ever arrive for the three-day festival.

Around 4,000 people camped while many others also enjoyed the 135 gigs due to have been held on two main stages and a host of other venues in the riverside town from Friday, July 21 to Sunday, July 23.

The last shows will take place this evening.

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

Grahame Bunn, festival chairman, said: "We had record numbers on the camp site of 4,000 this year.

"It was just fantastic especially considering the bad weather.

"We've been so lucky with the fortitude of the people who have been here.

"On Friday there were high winds and people were losing their tents but at 11pm when the final band was playing there was still a good crowd there."

Mr Bunn said Connie Lush on the meadow stage and the Norman Beaker Band who had finished the show on the Saturday night were among his highlights.

But he added; "It's seems unfair to highlight them because there wasn't one bad show.

"There were 135 gigs. It's a stunning event.

"We are absolutely 100 per cent ready for next year now. We've already got some bands booked."

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, which is known around the world, brings in over £800,000 to the local economy.