When we talk about the titans of the 1960s, names like The Beatles and Dylan are often the first spoken. But look closer at the DNA of the most influential music of that era, and you will find the fingerprints of one man: Donovan.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential songwriters working today, Donovan Leitch didn’t just follow the “Psychedelic Revolution”—he initiated it. At only 19 years of age, he created the masterwork Sunshine Superman. Released in late 1965, it predated his friends The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by a full year, effectively announcing “Flower Power” to the world for the very first time.
The Teacher to The Beatles
Donovan’s influence on music history is perhaps most famously documented during the legendary trip to Rishikesh, India. It was here that Donovan became a tutor to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. He taught them the intricate fingerstyle guitar techniques and unique chord patterns that would define The White Album.
Without Donovan’s guidance, tracks like “Dear Prudence,” “Julia,” “Blackbird,” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” might have sounded very different. As George Harrison famously noted in The Beatles Anthology: “Donovan is all over The White Album.”
A Poet and a pioneer
Beyond his guitar prowess, Donovan is described as a “Poet of the Highest Order.” His work has been compared to the greats—Blake, Yeats, and Carroll. He was a pioneer of “World Music,” fusing Folk, Jazz, Classical, Indian, and Arabic rhythms long before it was fashionable. He was also among the first to write “Green Songs,” using his platform to highlight the early threats to our planet’s ecosystem.
With accolades ranging from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the Officer of the Order of Arts & Letters in France, Donovan remains a consummate performer. His upcoming appearance at the Purbeck Guitar Festival is a rare opportunity to witness a living legend who reunited popular culture with poetry.
The legendary Donovan to headline Rock-it Saturday
Donovan brings his mesmerizing ‘The Tale of the Gael’ concert to the Purbeck Guitar Festival 2026 on Saturday, 23rd May. He headlines a day—aptly named Rock-it Saturday—that celebrates the sheer versatility of the guitar.
The Walled Garden at Upton Country Park will play host to an incredible supporting lineup, including:
The Story of Guitar Heroes: A breathtaking journey through 50 years of rock history.
Gary Cain & Galaxy Thief: Bringing modern blues and indie-rock energy.
Chris Corcoran Trio, Laura Snowden & Callum Buckley: Showcasing the very best in blues, classical, and fingerstyle mastery.
A bank holiday weekend celebrating the brilliance of guitar music!
The festival continues on Sunday, 24th May with Spanish Sunday, shifting the mood to the fiery rhythms of Andalusia. While Saturday is for the rock and folk fans, Sunday features world-renowned flamenco master Juan Martín and the incredible Rebeca y Ramon.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can retreat to our Pop-up Courtyard Cafe and Bar for drinks and a freshly cooked BBQ. And if you’re joining us for the Spanish celebrations on Sunday, don’t miss our authentic Spanish Tapas, served all day!
This year, we are also proud to support the Dorset Wildlife Trust, ensuring that as we enjoy the music, we are also helping to protect the beautiful Dorset landscapes that surround us.
Don’t miss your chance to see a true icon. Tickets for Rock-it Saturday and Spanish Sunday are available now.
Rock-it Saturday!
23 MAY: 11:00 AM – 10.00 PM
Rock-it Saturday features the legendary Donovan, The Story of Guitar Heroes, Gary Cain, Galaxy Thief, Chris Cocoran, Laura Snowden and Callum Buckley.
Spanish Sunday!
23 MAY: 11:00 AM – 8.00 PM
Immerse yourself in Spanish and Latino rhythms, and fiery Flamenco dancing. Featuring the world-renowned master of Spanish guitar Juan Martin, Rebeca y Ramon, Flamenco meets Maqan, Carlos Bonell, Flamenca!, and Miki Cruz.