UB40 featuring Ali Campbell returning to NPDC’s Bowl of Brooklands

The unmistakable voice behind UB40’s biggest hits is returning to Taranaki this summer as part of Kingston Calling 2026, a brand-new summer festival tour that will fill NPDC’s iconic Bowl of Brooklands on Saturday 14 February 2026.

Presented by Mai FM and Fabrik, UB40 is headlining the event and will feature Ali Campbell, the voice that powered more than 70 million record sales and 50 UK chart hits from Red Red Wine and Kingston Town to Cherry Oh Baby and (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You.

It’s the first time since 2019 that UB40, featuring Ali Campbell has played in Aotearoa New Zealand. Backed by a powerhouse nine-piece touring band, this line-up is internationally recognised as an authentic UB40 experience original fans should not miss.

Kingston Calling 2026 will visit eight premier outdoor venues in New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa this January and February.

The New Plymouth show is the festival’s grand finale and is set to be a summer highlight for music lovers across the region.

“It’s awesome to welcome UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell back to the Bowl this summer, and we’re looking forward to announcing a stellar cast of Aotearoa’s favourite artists soon to complete the line-up.”

“The Kingston Calling experience promises an incredible day of live acts in an atmosphere powered by the love of music” says Neil Fenwick, Head of Major Events at NPDC.

In addition to UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, a stellar cast of New Zealand’s favourite artists will complete the line-up – to be announced soon.

The Bowl of Brooklands’ world-class natural amphitheatre provides a spectacular setting for this not-to-be-missed festival. As an NPDC-owned venue, the Bowl is a true taonga for the region and has hosted some of the world’s greatest acts.

Brylee Flutey, GM Destination at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says, “Kingston Calling is an exciting addition to our growing summer event calendar, with the iconic sounds of UB40 expected to draw locals and visitors alike to the stunning Bowl of Brooklands venue.”

 “We are proud to support this event through our facilitation of the New Plymouth District Major Events Fund, and this will be a welcome announcement for our tourism and hospitality sector, with major events playing a vital role in attracting visitors to the region and generating economic impact across a wide range of local businesses.”

Tickets go on sale Thursday 7 August at 7pm, with pre-sales opening Wednesday 6 August at 7pm.

Fans can subscribe to the New Plymouth Events and Venues database to receive a pre-sale code next Wednesday.

“I think I’ve got the best reggae band in the world, and you can quote me on that,” says Ali Campbell.

FAST FACTS

• The Bowl of Brooklands is Taranaki's largest and most iconic concert venue and was awarded ‘Large Venue of the Year’ by the Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand in 2021.
• Situated within the award-winning Pukekura Park, the Bowl is a natural amphitheatre with a permanent stage over the lake and has hosted audiences under the stars since 1958.
• This world-renowned venue holds up to 15,000 and has hosted international headline acts such as Sir Elton John, R.E.M., Fleetwood Mac, Bryan Adams, Six60 and L.A.B
• To be the first to know about event announcements, exclusive offers and discounts, sign up to the New Plymouth Events Venues database.

Caption: Ali Campbell will feature with UB40 at the Kingston Calling festival at Bowl of Brooklands in February 20226.