Rock It Saturday

Full Out Folk, Blues, Jazz, Indie and Rock • Saturday 23rd May • Upton Country Park

Experience Full out Folk, Blues & Indie Rock at the 2026 Purbeck Guitar Festival. Set within the breathtaking, restored Victorian Walled Garden at Upton Country Park, Rock-It Saturday brings together a world-class lineup of legends and rising stars.

Headlined by the iconic Donovan in his 80th birthday year, the day journeys through 50 years of guitar history—from the high-octane tribute of The Story of Guitar Heroes to the soulful blues of Chris Corcoran and Gary Cain. Whether you’re here for the explosive energy of Galaxy Thief or the intricate fingerstyle of Laura Snowden and Callum Buckley, this is more than a concert; it’s an immersive celebration of music and nature.

The Walled Garden at Upton Country Park

Upton Country Park served as the setting for the festival. Originally a Victorian kitchen garden, the walled garden was restored in the early 2000s and turned into a year-round event space. Located within the grounds of Upton Country Park near Poole Harbour, it was a lovely, enclosed venue for the event and provided a good backdrop for the music.

Upton Country Park

With 160 acres of park and woodland on the shoreline of Poole Harbour, Upton Country Park has a Grade II listed Georgian Mansion House at its centre. The park has plenty to explore, from formal gardens to natural habitats, a welcome centre, gallery area and activities for children.

Find out more at: https://uptoncountrypark.com/

Café in the Courtyard

An exclusive pop-up bar and café operated in the sheltered cobbled courtyard at the top of the garden, serving takeaway food, drinks, and snacks throughout the event.

Rock It Saturday BBQ & Bar Menu

Add Wedges and salad bar for £5

Dorset Wildlife Trust

We were proud to support the Dorset Wildlife Trust at this year’s Purbeck Guitar Festival

About Dorset Wildlife Trust

“For over 60 years, Dorset Wildlife Trust has protected the county’s wildlife and wild places – from re-introducing rare species such as beaver and ladybird spider to protecting iconic landscapes like Kingcombe and our precious heathlands. With the support of our 27,000 members, dedicated volunteers, and partners, we care for 42 nature reserves, manage four visitor centres and work with local landowners and conservation partners across Dorset to restore and protect nature for future generations.”

Donovan

‘THE TALE OF THE GAEL CONCERT’
~
PURBECK GUITAR FESTIVAL
SATURDAY 23rd MAY 2026

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‘.

About Donovan

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.

'The Story of Guitar Heroes'

The Story of Guitar Heroes is the UK’s top live concert homage to 50 years of iconic guitar music.

Chris Corcoran Trio

Multiple UK Blues Award nominee Chris Corcoran is one of the finest Blues guitarists in the UK. His trio performs regularly across the UK.

Gary Cain

Canadian guitarist Gary Cain blends blues roots with wider rock influences, earning critical acclaim globally.

Galaxy Thief

Dorset indie-rock quartet Galaxy Thief are renowned for energetic live shows and a unique sound.

Laura Snowden

According to Classical Guitar Magazine, guitarist and composer Laura Snowden ‘links guitar’s past, present and future’.

Callum Buckley

Callum Buckley is a passionate fingerstyle guitarist, sharing his love by gigging and creating guitar tabs.

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