MUSIC festival organisers are confident of a capacity turnout for Shakedown today, despite forecasted heavy rain.

As the site at Waterhall in Brighton took shape yesterday, it was thought that tickets would sell out in advance with 200 kept for on-the-door sales.

Steve Jones, director, said no damage was caused by recent thunderstorms.

He said: “If it was to rain constantly, we anticipate it should still be OK.

“People know they are going home to a warm bed so the rain generally doesn’t seem to bother them.”

Organisers have told people hoping to buy tickets to arrive early today to avoid disappointment.

The only line-up change for the one-day event is Zane Lowe pulling out; the Radio 1 DJ has flown to New Zealand following a family emergency.

He has been replaced by drum ’n’ bass supremo High Contrast. Basement Jaxx and Groove Armada top the bill.

While at Stanmer Park, attendances rose from 9,500 in 2011 to 17,500 last year. This year’s event at Waterhall has a reduced capacity of 15,000.

The 2012 event saw a mudbath during the de-rigging process because of heavy rain beforehand.

Mr Jones said: “It was moving the vehicles that churned it up.

“Because of the weather afterwards we couldn’t begin restoration work sooner.

“Despite our best efforts it was almost impossible not to damage the ground at Stanmer.”

The festival was mindful of residents’ concerns over noise and the impact on the nature reserve, forming part of the decision to move to Waterhall.