UPTON House Music Festival got under way last night with a Classical Spectacular featuring world renowned bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, Australian soprano Lauren Fagan, the celebrated BSO Concert Orchestra conducted by the acclaimed Gareth Jones and exciting all female electric string quartet Escala.

Tonight (Friday) is 80s Extravaganza party night starring the incomparable R’n’B superstar Billy Ocean, hugely successful singer Kim Wilde and punk princess Toyah.

Saturday sees internationally renowned singer-songwriter Michael Bolton performing in an appearance exclusive to Upton. He will be supported by special guest, ’90s soul singer Kenny Thomas.

There will be a wide range of food and drink outlets on offer at the event including a beer bar and cocktail bar, together with a traditional hog roast and burgers as well as pizza, a quality coffee tent and delicious Purbeck Ice Cream.

The venue is just three miles from Poole bus and railway stations. Buses run along Poole Road which is the road next to the venue.

Organisers have already hailed it a real record-breaker with ticket sales up by more than 15% on last year’s event.

The last remaining tickets are available from www.uptonhousemusicfestival.co.uk.

Patrons are being asked to allow extra time to enter the arena due to increased security measures following the events in Manchester and London.

All tickets are being scanned at the entrances to the arena and random bag searches are taking place.