Purbeck Guitar Festival 2026 at the Walled Garden, Upton Country Park
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May | Bank Holiday Weekend
Two days of pure music magic
The Purbeck Guitar Festival returns for 2026—bigger, louder and more spectacular than ever—now taking place over two days at the beautiful Upton Country Park in Poole. Indeed, following a series of incredible concerts in 2024 & 2025, the festival has grown into a major celebration of all things guitar, bringing two full days of incredible live music from Rock to Flamenco!
The Walled Garden at Upton Country Park provides a truly magical setting for the festival – a beautiful, year-round event space where nature and music come together. The perfect backdrop for a fantastic day out!
Spanish Sunday Tapas & Bar
Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas at the Purbeck Guitar Festival…
Between sets, soak up the atmosphere with freshly prepared Spanish tapas served throughout the day in the stable courtyard beside the Walled Garden. Tapas prices start at just 3 plates for £12!
On the Menu
Patatas Bravas – Crispy potatoes with classic Spanish flavour.
Pil Pil Prawns – A sizzling Spanish favourite.
Calamari – Golden, crispy and perfect for summer dining.
Albondigas – Traditional Spanish meatballs packed with flavour.
Chorizo – Rich, smoky Spanish sausage.
Croquetas – Crisp, creamy and deliciously moreish.
At the Bar
Local Beers – A selection of regional lagers and ales.
Wine & Bubbles – Perfect for a summer Sunday.
Soft Drinks – Refreshing options for all ages.
View full menu
Choice of 3 Tapas for £12 or 5 for £18 from the list below
Patatas Bravas
Tortilla Espanola
Calimari Aoli Aoli
Albondigas
Gambas al Ajillo
Jamon Selection
Spicy Chorizo
Padron Peppers
Pollo Romesco
Marinated Olives
Paellla Vegatarian
Smoked Paprika Chicken
Selection of Artisan Rustic Pizzas from £10
Fresh Filled Baguettes from £6
Loaded Wedges from £6
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.
Spanish SundayLine-up Highlights
Spanish Sunday brings a stunning line-up of world-class guitarists and performers, blending the fire of flamenco, the elegance of classical guitar and the warmth of Latin music. Gates open at 11.00 am with music starting from 12.00 midday.
Flamenca sets the tone for the day, bringing a captivating fusion of flamenco and world rhythms to the stage, followed by Miki Cruz with his passionate Latin ballads; then Flamenco Meets Maqam blending Spanish fire with Middle Eastern melodies. They are followed by the great guitarist Carlos Bonell and his tribute to Federico García Lorca in music, poetry and visuals. The stunning Flamenco from Spain with Rebeca Ortega, Ramón Ruiz and Carlos Lobo capturing flamenco’s soul are on stage next; and finally virtuoso Juan Martín delivers his own passionate Flamenco to finish the day.
Together they will turn Upton Country Park into a true fiesta of music and movement!
Juan Martin
Juan Martín learned his art, and spent his early years studying Flamenco in Andalucia, Spain. As a teenager he played in local fiestas, weddings and baptisms, developing his knowledge and skills in the disciplines of the purest traditions of flamenco.
Voted into the top 3 flamenco guitarists in the world by Guitar Player USA, Juan Martín has toured the world playing concerts from Shanghai and Melbourne to New York as well as in the Montreux Jazz Festival. He played for Picasso’s 90th birthday celebrations and his books and films for learning the guitar are now translated into many languages, with his original book ‘El Arte Flamenco de la Guitarra’ being referred to as ‘The Bible’ of flamenco guitar.
Flamenco from Spain
Flamenco from Spain are Rebeca Ortega y Ramón Ruiz and Carlos Lobo, three outstanding, prize-winning artists from Andalucia who together will bring an unforgettable performance of authentic flamenco music, song and dance.
Rebeca Ortega, internationally acclaimed flamenco dancer based in Seville, is recognised as one of the leading figures of the new generation of traditional flamenco.
Ramón Ruiz, award-winning flamenco guitarist and composer from Granada, trained in Seville’s legendary tablao Los Gallos and now works internationally from London.
Here are the times they will appear during the day:
11.00 – 12.00: Flamenca!
12.30 – 1.30: Miki Cruz
2.00 – 3.00: Flamenco Meets Maqam
3.30 – 4.30: Carlos Bonell
5.00 – 6.00: Flamenco From Spain
6.30 – 8.00: Juan Martín
View more details about our lineup
Carlos Bonell
London-born of Spanish heritage, Carlos Bonell was described by The New York Times as “a player of superb poetic gifts”. He has captivated audiences from major classical stages to collaborations with Sir Paul McCartney. Known for bringing classical guitar to a wider audience, Bonell recorded the iconic Inspector Morse theme and has released acclaimed albums celebrating Queen and The Beatles, with Brian May calling his Queen arrangements “absolutely exquisite.”
He will be presenting a vivid tribute to poet, Federico Garcia Lorca, blending Spanish classical guitar with poetry and visuals.
Flamenco Meets Maqam
Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde and his group bridge east and west, weaving together Maqams (a type of Arabic melody), Andalucian harmonies, and ancient rhythms into a unique contemporary tapestry. They play the Arabian qanun (a type of zither) and Spanish guitar in their exploration of the roots of flamenco.
Miki Cruz
Spain’s own Miki Cruz ignites the stage with flamenco, Latin rhythms, and timeless ballads full of passion, inspired by artists like Paco de Lucía and the Gypsy Kings. Born and raised in Spain, Miki Cruz brings the warmth, passion, and rhythm of his homeland to every performance. For over two decades, he has captivated audiences across the UK and in Spain and Latin America with his guitar and vocal performances.
Flamenca!
A captivating trio fusing flamenco, jazz, and world influences, paired with stunning dance for a truly immersive experience. The intense sounds of hand clapping, foot stomping, singing and exquisite guitar playing will transport you to Andalucia! Dancer Aneta Skut is accompanied by Cuffy Cuthbertson (guitar) and Kostka Garcia (vocals/percussion).
Nature and music come together to help protect Dorset's wild spaces...
20% of all profits will be donated to the Dorset Wildlife Trust
We are proud to announce that this year’s festival supports the Dorset Wildlife Trust, 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 to support their vital work across 42 nature reserves.
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.
