SERENATA Festival organisers are hoping today's sunny weather will help counteract poor ticket sales.

The high-class festival, set in 30 acres on Purbeck's Smedmore Estate, had an expected turnout of 9,000 people over the three-day event but just 2,000 tickets were sold after the first two days.

Organisers hope that improved weather and tonight's performance by singing superstar Russell Watson will boost sales.

Around 500 enthusiastic festival-goers enjoyed Thursday's opening night, despite the downpour, with music from Emma Johnson, Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith, the opera-singing boyband Blake and Geoff Sewell.

James Donald, spokesman for the event, said: "We've sold 2,000 tickets so far and we're very much hoping for it to pick up.

"The weather's improving and Katherine Jenkins has been very popular.

"It's a new festival and we've had very good feedback and great coverage.

"There seems to be a lot of local people here, a Dorset focus, although I met some Blake fans who came down from Swansea.

"There's been a lot of very avid Katherine Jenkins fans."

Mr Donald added that he hoped Katherine's 'amazing' fanbase would boost numbers to last night's event.

Serenata is the first event of its kind to be held in Dorset with tickets costing from £55 for an adult one-day pass, including camping on the family site, to £600 per night for camping with a butler service.

The festival site, overlooking Kimmeridge Bay, has brought together classical music with performances from world's leading artists, the promotion of new artists, gourmet food, a full children's programme and boutique and traditional camping.

The inaugural event is supporting two charities - the Starlight Children's Foundation and Afghan Heroes.

Starlight chairman Bertie Way said cystic fibrosis sufferer Bianca Nicholas, aged 20, who dreamt of being a star and was granted a wish by the charity five years ago when she sang with Will Young, gave a surprise solo performance on the first night.

He said: "She got up and sang a solo of Only The Good Die Young by Queen in front of the whole Serenata crowd.

"Bianca's got a terrific voice and Blake then asked her to support them on their tour, which is pretty exciting."

He added: "The 35 acre site has a natural amphitheatre and although it was chucking it down on Thursday night, the hardcore enthusiasts were out dancing in the rain with umbrellas.

"It was wonderful."

Tonight the festival is offering performances by award-winning teenage pianist Benjamin Grosvenor and internationally-renowned singer Russell Watson. Tickets are available on the gate.