Purbeck Guitar Festival

Purbeck Guitar Festival 2026

The Walled Garden, Upton Country Park, Poole
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 May 2026 | Bank Holiday Weekend

Two days of pure guitar magic in one of Dorset’s most beautiful outdoor venues.

The Purbeck Guitar Festival returns for 2026 — bigger, louder and more spectacular than ever — with two full days celebrating the guitar in all its forms. Following hugely successful festivals in 2024 and 2025, the event now takes over the stunning Walled Garden at Upton Country Park, offering an unforgettable blend of world-class music, food and atmosphere.

Once a Victorian kitchen garden, the lovingly restored Walled Garden provides a truly magical backdrop for this unique festival, combining historic charm with exceptional live performances.

Rock-It Saturday – Live Music, BBQ & Bar

Rock-It Saturday delivers an electrifying day of live guitar music, from legendary names to exciting contemporary acts.

Saturday 23rd May | Gates open 11.00am | Music from 12.00pm

Line-up highlights include:

• Donovan – Iconic singer-songwriter whose music helped define the psychedelic era
• The Story of Guitar Heroes – A thrilling live tribute to Clapton, Hendrix, Page and more
• Gary Cain – Canadian blues-rock virtuoso with explosive live performances
• Galaxy Thief – Swanage’s high-energy indie-rock favourites
• Chris Corcoran – Award-nominated blues guitarist
• Laura Snowden – Acclaimed guitarist and composer, performing with Loz Garratt
• Callum Buckley – Masterful fingerstyle guitarist with warmth and charm

Rock-It Saturday BBQ & Bar
Enjoy locally sourced BBQ favourites including award-winning burgers, steaks, lamb, fish and vegan options (from £8), alongside artisan breads, salads and dressings. The bar will serve local ales, lagers, wines, bubbles and soft drinks.
Located in the charming cobbled stable yard beside the Walled Garden.

Full line-up details on the Purbeck Guitar Festival website

Spanish Sunday – Flamenco, Classical & Latin Fire

Sunday 24 May | Gates open 11.00am | Music from 12.00pm

Spanish Sunday transforms Upton Country Park into a vibrant musical fiesta, blending flamenco, classical guitar and global influences.

Line-up highlights include:

• Rebeca y Ramón – Internationally acclaimed flamenco dance, guitar and song
• Juan Martín – World-renowned flamenco virtuoso
• Flamenco Meets Maqam – A spellbinding fusion of Middle Eastern and flamenco traditions
• Carlos Bonell – Spanish classical guitar with poetry and visuals inspired by Federico García Lorca
• Flamenca! – A dynamic trio blending flamenco, jazz and world music with dance
• Miki Cruz – Infectious flamenco and Latin rhythms inspired by Paco de Lucía and the Gypsy Kings

Spanish Sunday Tapas & Bar
A tempting selection of classic Spanish tapas including patatas bravas, pil-pil prawns, calamari, albondigas, croquetas and more (3 plates from £12), plus local beers, wines, bubbles and soft drinks.
All served in the stable courtyard, adjoining the Walled Garden.

Full line up details on the Purbeck Guitar Festival website

Supporting Dorset Wildlife Trust

The festival is proud to support Dorset Wildlife Trust, with guest speakers across the weekend.
20% of all profits will be donated to the charity.

Tickets

From £40–£50 (early bird)
Weekend passes available.

🎸 A spectacular Bank Holiday celebration of guitar, culture and community — not to be missed.

Find the full details on the Purbeck Guitar Festival website 

Or follow the Purbeck Guitar Festival on Facebook for updates.

Note: This event listing is a guide only. For up to date information and or changes to the event please check with the organiser or venue.

Find more local events on our Visit Purbeck What’s On guide.