UPTON'S annual Water Festival attracted thousands of visitors to the town over the bank holiday weekend.

Now in its 16th year, the event offered entertainment for all ages, from outdoor concerts by local bands to a boat race, fireworks, fairground and food stalls.

Peter Webb, of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, said: "We had a town full of happy visitors. The town was just buzzing and the pubs were so packed people were had to queue to get through the doors."

The water festival was opened by TV antiques expert Philip Serrell on Saturday. Bands played everything from rock and pop to jazz throughout the day on an outdoor stage beside the river.

There was a Punch and Judy show and street entertainers for children, while the day finished with a spectacular firework display and sound and light show over the River Severn.

On Sunday, there was a bell boat race on the river and more outdoor music and entertainment, while on Bank Holiday Monday more than 200 cars filled the playing field for a massive car boot sale.

The festival ended with an evening river cruise on the MV Conway Castle.

"The festival was a huge success. It's organised by the Upton Tourism and Trade Association to bring in visitors and help keep the town busy and alive," said Mr Webb, adding that it had done just that.

"I don't remember any festival when the pubs were as busy as they were this weekend and the caravans were like a mini city on the edge of the town."

Mr Webb said it was hard to be precise about the number of visitors but estimated that 20,000 to 25,000 people had visited Upton during the three-day festival.