A JAZZ procession brought a touch of New Orleans magic to the streets of Upton as a festival hit the right note for visitors and locals alike.

The river Severn was Worcestershire's answer to the sweeping Mississippi as the 31st International Upton Jazz Festival entered full Swing with more than a little Jive to keep the crowds entertained.

One of the highlights is always the pomp and pageantry of the procession which began at the town's St Peter and St Paul Anglican Parish Church before it made its way down to the riverside on Saturday.

Around 3,000 people enjoyed the four-day jazz festival which began on Thursday but one of the crowd-pleasing highlights remains the Saturday procession.

Spectators lined the pavements and people and pets watched from the windows as the procession, led by a jazz musicians with trombones, trumpets, clarinets saxophones and euphoniums, drove the louring rain clouds away and banished any hint of the blues.

Sunshine and showers brought a suitably sultry atmosphere to proceedings and, at any rate, the second liners were well-protected with their colourful, customised umbrellas.

All decked out in their most exotic finery, the people in the procession formed a dancing, bobbing, twirling sea of vibrant, multi-coloured umbrellas, each decorated in its own unique way with tassels and streamers, tinsel and ribbons and designs featuring musical instruments.

One of those to savour the atmosphere was marshal Malcolm Hogarth, 76, of Chester who led the procession.

Traditionally the marshal's job is to make sure the musicians are paid handsomely for their endeavours, sometimes in wine and sometimes in whisky.

Mr Hogarth, who has visited New Orleans several times, said: "This brings a bit of New Orleans to Upton. There's an air of irreverence. I will be dancing about like a lunatic and making a fool of myself as much as possible so it becomes entertaining.

"It becomes infectious and everyone bursts into smiles as they join in behind the musicians."

With him was Maggie Newman, 73, of Humberston in Lincolnshire who was as light on her feet as any as she danced along with the second liners.

She said: "I have always been a big lover of jazz."

Watching the procession was Marcus Allen of Colwall and wife June.

Mr Allen, who has been coming for 20 years, said he was a life-long jazz lover.

He said: "I love the atmosphere and the people and the music. It's a really good community spirit. Everybody rallies around behind it.

"The French bands playing at the festival are going to be very interesting. We should be seeing one of them later on."

Joining the procession were 15 youngsters from Upton CE Primary School who brought umbrellas decorated with the school colours made from yellow ribbons.

Kate Moroni, music teacher and deputy head, said: "The children enjoy feeling part of the community. They had great fun decorating the umbrellas with 60 metres of yellow ribbons which is our school colours."

This year the festival had a French theme with three French bands playing.

Performers included After Hours Quintet, Alan Barnes, Enrico Tomasso, Karen Sharp, Ian Bateman, Craig Milverton, Bob Dwyer's Bix and Pieces, Carl Sinclair Boogie Band, Chico Chica, Golden Eagle, Hot Antic who all love the music of the Chicago bands of the late 20s, John Hallam and the Jamie Brownfield Quartet.

The festival also featured dance workshops at the dance marquee in the sports ground including GI Jive, East Coast swing dance.

One important aspect of the festival is nurturing young talent which is achieved through 'Best of Young Jazz', a music education project run by Upton Jazz Association which began seven years ago (2009).

The aim of the project, led by Steve Boffy with support from Marie Oldaker and Manda Graham, is both to develop young talent and give young people the opportunity to play in front of live audiences.

Festival David Harrison said these sessions were a chance to see top young performers before they 'hit the big time'.