Dorset’s Own Indie-Rock powerhouse
The Purbeck Guitar Festival is all about celebrating global talent, but we also keen to support local talent too. So we are especially proud to welcome Galaxy Thief, a band that started right here in Swanage!
Galaxy Thief are a British indie-rock 4-piece that has rapidly evolved from local favorites to a must-see act on the national festival circuit.
Formed in 2017, they are known for energetic, anthemic performances and have earned a reputation for high-octane live shows that keep fans coming back again and again.
Their sound is a unique cocktail of influences—think the modern edge of Nothing But Thieves and The 1975, blended with the stadium-sized power of the Foo Fighters and the soaring melodies of Angels and Airwaves.
"Best Live Act"
Galaxy Thief - Swanage based band
The band is undeniably local, with their studio located on lead guitarist George Bowerman’s farm in Swanage. George first caught the music bug as a child, sitting on his dad’s tractor: “One of my earliest memories with Dad was listening to Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water. That set me on a path towards music.”
Rising stars & Yamaha Ambassadors
It isn’t just the local scene taking notice. Galaxy Thief made history as the first-ever band to be handpicked as Ambassadors for Yamaha Music London.
Their trophy cabinet is filling up fast, having won the prestigious Glastonbury/Pilton Party competition (watch the highlights on YouTube) in 2023 and recently opening for Jake Bugg at the Poole Lighthouse Theatre.
With a string of 2025 hits like “Mayday” and “RAIN” currently dominating the airwaves and streaming platforms, the band is at the peak of their powers.
Rhys Messenger – Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
George Bowerman – Lead Guitar/Vocals
Ben Watton – Drums
Jake Trim – Bass/Vocals
Find out more about Galaxy Thief on their official website
Or follow them on Facebook & YouTube: Galaxy Thief
The Rock It Saturday experience
Galaxy Thief joins an incredible lineup for Rock It Saturday (23rd May 2026). From 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the Walled Garden at Upton Country Park will be the epicenter of guitar music in the South West.
Catch Galaxy Thief alongside these Saturday acts:
Donovan: The “Sunshine Superman” and 60s folk legend.
The Story of Guitar Heroes: A theatrical journey through 50 years of iconic riffs.
Gary Cain: High-voltage, genre-bending blues-rock from Canada.
Chris Corcoran Trio: The UK’s premier instrumental Jump Blues masters.
Laura Snowden & Callum Buckley: Exquisite classical and contemporary fingerstyle.
Fuel the Music: Between sets, head to the Stable-Yard BBQ for locally sourced, award-winning Dorset meats and fish—including Jurassic Coast burgers and fresh seafood. Our festival bar will also be open all day, serving a curated selection of local ales, Dorset cider, and bubbles. Whether you’re lounging on a blanket in the garden or enjoying a VIP deck chair at the front, it’s the ultimate bank holiday celebration.