Spanish Sunday
Fiery Flamenco & Latino Rhythms • Sunday 24th May 2026 • Upton Country Park
The final day of the Bank Holiday weekend brought a Spanish Sunday fiesta to Poole. Set within the Walled Garden at Upton Country Park, the day featured world-class artistry, from the classical elegance of Carlos Bonell to the flamenco of Juan Martín. Attendees were able to sip on local wines, feast on authentic tapas, and enjoy the rhythms of Spain.
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.
Spanish Sunday Tapas & Bar 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
Ask us about our selection of Vegan and Gluten Free Options
Selection of Artisan Rustic Pizzas from £10
Fresh Filled Baguettes from £6
Loaded Wedges from £6
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.”
Line-up
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.
Carlos Bonell
Carlos Bonell, described by The New York Times as “a player of superb poetic gifts,” began guitar at age five and studied under John Williams at the Royal College of Music, becoming its youngest-ever professor at 22. He has performed in over forty countries, recorded more than twenty albums.
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.
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).
Miki Cruz
Miki Cruz ignites the stage with a fusion of Latin rhythms and timeless ballads full of passion, inspired by artists like Diego el Cigala and the Gipsy Kings. For over two decades, he has captivated audiences across the UK, Spain, and Latin America with his powerful guitar and vocal performances, bringing warmth and energy to every stage he touches.
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