Morris dancers swarm the streets in Upon Folk Festival

Over 45 Morris dancing sides have gathered in Upton on Severn for the festival, bringing music, dancing and stalls to the streets of the Worcestershire town. 

Morris dancing sides from across the country have gathered in the town and are dancing throughout the town centre and along the waterfront to the delight of local businesses from May 3 to May 6.

The Ironmen and Severn Gilders, Martyn Goodwin (left), Ivor Phillips (middle), Dave Baxter (right) (Image: Daniel Kelly)

This is the 33rd time that the festival has gone ahead with a new logo to freshen the event up.

Just two weeks ago the organisers needed to find a new campsite after the rugby club had said that the ground was too wet.

Dancing in the street (Image: Daniel Kelly)

Ceri James, chair of Upton Folk Festival and a member of Ledbury Border Morris, said: "So far its been really good and everyone is enjoying themselves. 

"The whole town gets involved and they love it because it is such a relaxed environment. 

"We have over 45 sides here and today (May 4) there is no real schedule apart from outside The Kings Head so they can dance anywhere and everywhere where the roads are closed."

Ledbury Border Morris, (left to right) Marc James, Ceri James, Mike Jarvis, Annie Jones, Andrew Walker (Image: Daniel Kelly)

Mrs James has been the chairwoman since covid, unfortunately having to cancel her first event in 2021. 

The following year had a different take on the event with a "festival at your door" theme. 

This involved Morris dancers videoing themselves dancing and creating videos to share. 

Last year was the first proper year since covid and it was a huge success. 

Scores of people attended (Image: Daniel Kelly)

The Festival is free to attend but also has paid for events in local establishments where people can watch live folk musicians. 

On Sunday (May 5), all of the Morris dancing sides will parade through the high street in a spectacle that you do not want to miss. 

Boggarts Breakfast (Image: Daniel Kelly)

Mrs James continued: "The big challenge this year was having to move the campsite but I am so chuffed to have the new landowners support. 

"We have over 45 sides dancing and 1000 campers, we estimate that there will be around 3000 people over the course of the festival. 

"This is the first festival held in town and the crowds are so supportive.

"This festival is so important to the town, especially since its been a tough winter with the lack of footfall and all the flooding, its great to see everyone enjoying themselves."