Upton Blues Festival - Worcester

Jonathan

We spent the weekend at The Upton upon Severn Blues Festival and camped just over the bridge in the big field next to the river where the Mello Festival and Sunshine Festivals are held (although, for 2024 I believe Mello and Sunshine are combined)

Firstly, as others mention the Blues Festival is free, just turn up and enjoy. The streets of the historic, old part of town are closed to traffic with live music being played in loads of the pubs plus some live stages. Brilliant chilled vibe and the closest I have experienced to the famous Glastonbury Festival but on a mini scale.
Thoroughly recommended. 5*

Secondly the campsite. I am told that each year it has got bigger as people arrive from the Wednesday when the festival starts through to the weekend. We travelled down on the Friday getting there about mid afternoon and were in the field beyond the showers block.
The security team guided you to camping spots which were arranged in lines and we, with their help, were able to create an area between our cars and van where we could put up our 3 tents, a kitchen tent, toilet tent and seating area tent. Brilliant! Thanks to the team. 👏👏

The walk through the campsite to the entrance by the bridge took about 15 to 20 minutes so a similar distance as getting from the camping areas surrounding Glasto to the perimeter fence and entry points but without the up and over hill that Glasto has.

In the aerial view pic we were where the red diamond is towards the top left. The festival happens within the red squarish area plus a stage at the marina.

The campsite had great facilities.
There were toilet blocks with mains water, drinking water taps, toilet waste emptying tanks and rubbish bins placed in regular groups along the main "roadway".
At the northern end of the field prior to ours were 7 trailers each of which had 4 individual, segregated, shower cubicless which performed excellently and the water was just right, not too hot, not too cold with a good flow rate.
There were also "Male Only" urinal trailers and "Ladies Only" trailers catering to their needs.
All of the showers and toilet facilities were routinely emptied, cleaned and restocked throughout the festival and were spotless.
A great testament to Andy's Loos.

To cope with the distances involved a free shuttle trailer ran up and down the whole site every 20 minutes or so and carried as many as could get on, brilliant for the end of day runs where lots of people had drunk lots of alcohol and might not have made it back to their tent/camper/caravan provided they even found it.

All in all, after attending several festivals, this proved to be one of the best.

Footnote, my camera didn't save most of my pictures hence the limited array

Keith L.

Excellent organisation. Brilliant acts and venues. Lovely little town, with very friendly people, both locals and visitors. Recommended place and event.

Carl S.

This award winning 🏆 festival is brilliant. It is free and spread over a few days on several stages and in many pubs.
Camping is available in Fish Meadow but you pay for this as there are facilities and an extra stage, bar, and a few stalls.
The music isn’t exclusively Blues, and you will find all types of music 🎶 around. Highly recommended.
There are a lot of food vendors to keep everyone happy.

Andree W.

Loved it. Great value to camp for the festival. Very well organised camping field, great security on site. Music festival is brilliant. So many bands. Great food to be had locally too.

Sunny H.

Fab days out having fun with friends (and I don't even like blues that much!) a fun weekend out.

colin I.

A wonderful time to be had by all Blues fans and it’s all free in the beautiful Upton upon Severn

Pattie A.

Fabulous weekend in our motorhome on the field. Great music Upton rocked! Well organised and friendly staff x see you next year

David J.

The best free blues festival in the UK with bands playing over several days in bars and fields around the village of Upton Upon Severn.
Some indoor venues are limited due to size but there is always something to see or listen to.
Camping is available at a cost.
Rain or shine its always a great atmosphere.
Definitely worth a visit.