ONE of the biggest music festivals in the region is expanding this summer to celebrate its 30th birthday.

For the first time, organisers of June’s Upton-upon-Severn Jazz Festival are laying on music over four, rather than three days.

A special Thursday night session will take place ahead of the festival’s usual Friday, Saturday and Sunday gigs - delighting the thousands of campers and caravaners who turn up early to book their pitches.

The extension is the brainchild of musical director Rachel Hayward, who took over the top job last year.

“We just thought it would be really nice to do something else for the campers, in addition to the music we already offer,” said Rachel, who plays vibes and banjo in her own band.

“It dawned on me last year, since we’ve got all these people turning up on the Thursday, since we have all the marquees up, since it’s not going to cost us anything apart from the cost of the bands, it’d be a great thing to do for them.

“And we’re not going to charge them any more, of course.”

Two Thursday night sessions will take place at Jazz City, the buzzing festival village adjacent to the campsite in the heart of the riverside town.

Rachel’s own band, Hotsy Totsy - a Boswell sisters-style harmony group - will entertain the early birds, along with New Orleans revival seven-piece, New Orleans Heat.

“We think people are going to really enjoy it,” said Rachel.

The Thursday sessions will be followed by a glittering weekend of stars, including Sammy Rimington, Chris Barber favourite Amy Roberts and British Jazz Award-winners like Alan Barnes.

As well as a mixture of New Orleans, European, modern and gypsy jazz, music fans can jump-jive to renowned bands including Alligator Gumbo and the Swing Commanders.

They form part of the hugely successful dance section, led by ex-UK Lindyhop champions James and Bridget Hamilton, which sees lessons take place throughout the weekend and marquees with proper dance floors.

Upton-upon-Severn Jazz Festival, founded by a group of friends in 1985, takes place from June 25-28 in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire.

As well 60 gigs across 10 venues, music-lovers can expect a dazzling Mardi Gras carnival parade, gospel church service and riverboat shuffles aboard party boat the Conway Castle.

Tickets cost from £28 and are available from uptonjazz.co.uk or by calling 01684 593254. Under-14s go free.