First ever classical music festival to be held in the Purbecks (From Bournemouth Echo)

First ever classical music festival to be held in the Purbecks

8:30am Wednesday 27th January 2010 in Purbeck By Jim Durkin

BUTLER service and “boutique camping” may not be the first things that spring to mind when considering a summer music festival.

But its exactly what’s on offer at Britain’s first dedicated al fresco classical music event.

The Seranata Festival, set for 30 acres on Purbeck’s Smedmore Estate, overlooking stunning Kimmeridge Bay, will cater for 3,000 people a day this August.

Organisers insist the three-day event won’t be an elitist affair, but if you’re looking for high-end camping, then the Moroccan decorated bell tents – complete with Persian Rugs and butler service – may prove an attractive prospect.

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• The Serenata Festival takes place from August 26 to 28.

• Numerous musical events will take place in different marquees every day from 11am.

• Workshops will concentrate on classically-themed arts such as poetry, storytelling, acting, ballet, sculpture and music therapy.

• Management hope to create a stunning African Safari camping experience.

• The website serenatafestival.com goes live on Friday.

• Some of the world’s leading artists will mentor unsigned musicians during the festival.

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Tickets for the top package cost £795 for the three days, while one-day tickets, including camping on the family site, start at just £55.

Festival founder and managing director Lesley Malpas said: “What we wanted to do is open up the whole realm of classical music to as many people as possible.

“Yes we have the high end camping, but you can also bring your own tents to this stunning, magical location.

“The idea is to create a great family mix.”

Acts already confirmed include Blake, Faryl Smith, clarinettist Emma Johnson and 2004 Young Musician of the Year winner Benjamin Grosvenor.

There will even be musical workshops and an X-Factor-style forum for up and coming, unsigned classical vocalists and musicians.

“No one has really done this before, it’s a new type of festival,” said Lesley.

“We wanted to do it in the Purbecks as it’s such a beautiful place.”