Purbeck Guitar Festival 2026 at the Walled Garden, Upton Country Park
Experience the ultimate May Bank Holiday highlight with Rock It Saturday, a high-energy celebration of live music and community spirit.
As a cornerstone of the Purbeck Guitar Festival, this event transforms the local scene into a vibrant hub of talent, bringing together music lovers for an unforgettable day of performances. More than just a concert, Rock It Saturday is an immersive experience designed to kick off your long weekend with a bang. From the raw power of electric riffs to the welcoming atmosphere of the local crowd, it is the perfect way to soak up the bank holiday vibes.
Whether you are a lifelong guitar enthusiast or simply looking for perfect day over the bank holiday weekend to enjoy with friends and family, Rock It Saturday offers a soundtrack you won’t want to miss. Join us for a day where local passion meets world-class sound, and make this May Bank Holiday one to remember!
Rock-It Saturday BBQ & Bar
View full menu....
- 6oz Prime Steak Burger £10
Cheese, Bacon and crunchy Onions
- Butterflied Cajun Chicken breast £10
Coriander and mango chutney
- 8hr Slow Cooked Pulled Pork £10
Home Made Apple Sauce and Stuffing
- Fresh Jumbo Pork Sausage £8
with Crispy fried Onion
- Half or Whole Racks of Jack Daniels Baby Back Ribs £8/£12
- Salmon, White Wine and Lemon Parcel £10
The Walled Garden
Set within the 160-acre grounds of Upton Country Park, the Walled Garden provides a stunning yet intimate, atmospheric backdrop on the edge of Poole Harbour.
Originally a Victorian kitchen garden, this beautifully restored space is tucked away amidst woodland and formal gardens, near the park’s historic Georgian Mansion House. It’s a unique setting where world-class music meets the natural beauty of the coast—the perfect spot to spend a May Bank Holiday afternoon.
Rock-It SaturdayLineup Highlights
Feel the roar of Rock It Saturday with riffs, rhythm and remarkable talent at Upton Country Park
Rock Saturday brings together an exciting mix of celebrated performers, rising stars and unique guitar acts. Expect continuous live music, big personalities and unforgettable performances from:
Donovan
'THE TALE OF THE GAEL CONCERT'
Donovan Leitch is widely regarded as one of the most influential songwriters and recording artists working today. At his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 it was stated, “Donovan singlehandedly initiated the Psychedelic Revolution with his album ‘ Sunshine Superman‘.
This masterwork album he created late 1965 at 19 years of age, one year before his friends The Beatles, influencing their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely heart’s Club Band, and leading the way for many other artists.
DONOVAN IS A CATALYST – said George Harrison
The Story of Guitar Heroes
Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most popular live concert experiences, The Story of Guitar Heroes is far more than just a tribute show. It is a world-class journey through the evolution of the electric guitar, paying homage to the legends who defined the sound of generations.
The show has garnered international critical acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail. To recreate the iconic tones of legends like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Jimmy Page, Hank Marvin, Chuck Berry, Mark Knopfler, and Slash, the band utilizes over 30 different authentic guitars.
Here are the times they will appear during the day:
12.00 – 1.00: Callum Buckley
1.30 – 2.30: Laura Snowden
3.00 – 4.00: Galaxy Thief
4.30 – 5.30: Gary Cain
6.00 – 7.00: Chris Corcoran
7.30 – 8.30: Guitar Heroes
9.00 – 10.00: Donovan
10.00 – 10.15: FINALE: Donovan with Guitar Heroes
View more details about our lineup
Chris Corcoran
Multiple UK Blues Award nominee, regarded as one of the country’s finest Blues guitarists. His trio tours widely across the UK and Europe, delivering distinctive instrumental blues performances.
Gary Cain
Canadian blues-rock virtuoso whose fiery fretwork has earned global acclaim. A UK Top 40 artist and festival headliner, his album Outside The Lines has surpassed one million streams and his live shows are explosive.
Galaxy Thief
Swanage’s own high-energy indie-rock quartet and Yamaha Music London ambassadors. Known for their tight musicianship, dynamic stage presence and national airplay, Galaxy Thief always deliver an electrifying set.
Laura Snowden
Described as “linking guitar’s past, present and future,” Laura is a remarkable guitarist and composer whose work spans classical, film and contemporary music—including appearing on Marvel’s Black Widow soundtrack.
Callum Buckley
A passionate fingerstyle guitarist inspired by greats like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. Known for technically dazzling arrangements, he brings warmth, dexterity and charm to the stage.
Supporting Dorset Wildlife Trust - with 20% of profits donated
With music and nature coming together at the Purbeck Guitar Festival we are proud to support the Dorset Wildlife Trust.
Dorset Wildlife Trust is the county’s largest nature conservation charity.
For over 60 years, the Trust has worked to protect Dorset’s iconic landscapes and rare species.
By joining us at the Walled Garden—a space where music and nature truly come together—you are helping them to protect Dorset’s wild spaces.
It’s our way of giving back to the beautiful local environment that makes events like Rock-It Saturday possible.
In conclusion, whether you’re a rock enthusiast, a classical guitar lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend of live music, the Purbeck Guitar Festival 2026 promises an inspiring celebration of guitar talent from across the spectrum.
