Upton Jazz Festival

25/05/2026

For our jazz friends in Coventry, here's Barry at Upton with Robert Coles and Paul Dunleavy. 100 + Upton festivals between them !!

24/05/2026

Sadly we lost Barry Kesterton last Friday 22nd after a struggle with health - he missed Upton Jazz for the last 2 years. A member of the Smethwick Photography Society he spent a lifetime capturing images from the music scene, particularly Jazz. Barry came to Upton for the second festival in 1987 and every festival since. He was a regular on the Jazz scene and could be seen snapping at Bude, Keswick, Pershore, Abersoch as well as clubs around the Midlands…..Albrighton, Dove Jazz, and a regular at Stafford. Barry had an eye for detail, and a dry sense of humour often reflected in his images. He brought out the colour of an event and we were proud to exhibit his work as part of our 32 year celebrations in 2017. Love you Barry. All at Upton Jazz.

13/05/2026

It’s going well, with full festival programmes now at the printers; and available on our website. Thanks to our loyal supporters and an increasing number of new folk who are buying tickets this year. As of May 12th three quarters have gone so after 4 sell outs in 4 years we are gently nudging people not to wait. Keeping the Jazz alive Down by the Riverside.

10/04/2026

21/03/2026

Alan Buckley 1936-2026. Sad news. Kenya called to let us know that Alan passed away on the 19th, peacefully at Walsall General Hospital, having been in good spirits and still tapping out rhythms ! In just a few days time Alan would have been 90. For over 25 years Alan was the face, and the personality of Jazz in Upton. He became known by his fellow musicians and the music press as ‘Sir’ Alan or ‘Sir’ Alan Drums, and was noted for his eccentricity and humour. Alan played all over Europe in festivals which took over whole towns; and which featured the stroller ticket giving access to all the bands on show. Alan surrounded himself with musicians of the highest calibre. He went on to inspire and successfully organise more than 40 festivals including 25 at Upton.

14/12/2025

Ticket sales for June now open via our website www.uptonjazz.co.uk. Thanks to the loyal supporters who booked early this weekend; and to quite few new folk too ! Great start. 👏😎

28/11/2025

Breaking news from our friends at the Jazz Guide.

Advance Notice:
The 2026 Upton Jazz Festival is on the boil folks. Keep an eye on that 12th December date for Tickets. You all know how well this event is supported. Spread the word - get on the phone or moan!
More details soon on our website.

28/11/2025

Advance Notice:
The 2026 Upton Jazz Festival is on the boil folks. Keep an eye on that 12th December date for Tickets. You all know how well this event is supported. Spread the word - get on the phone or moan!
More details soon on our website.

01/07/2025

What a great weekend in all respects.
Thank you for making it the best friendly festival and top class music .
Loved everything about it , you should give yourselves a pat on the back
Carol and Tony

30/06/2025

The festival is over. A hot one in all respects. Thanks to you all - venues, performers, visitors, players, helpers and our lovely community. Upton Jazz....It's always the Last Weekend in June. x