Media Release: UB40 featuring Ali Campbell to perform in Whangārei this Waitangi weekend

Presented by MAI FM & FABRIK

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell – the unmistakable voice behind Red Red Wine, Kingston Town, and (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You – is heading to Whangārei this summer for the first time ever, as part of the Kingston Calling 2026 tour.

The iconic reggae frontman brings his powerful nine-piece band to Semenoff Stadium on Thursday 5 February, kicking off an unforgettable Waitangi weekend celebration under the Northland sun. It’s more than just a show – it’s a full summer festival experience with top talent, food and beverage vendors, and good vibes all around.

This marks UB40 featuring Ali Campbell’s first full tour of Aotearoa and the Pacific since 2019, and fans can expect a hit-packed setlist that celebrates more than four decades of reggae, soul, and global chart success.

Kingston Calling 2026 will see the legendary band perform at eight iconic outdoor venues across New Zealand, Tonga, and Samoa, bringing the love back to fans across the South Pacific:

KINGSTON CALLING 2026 TOUR DATES:

Wed 28 Jan – Nukuʻalofa, Teufaiva Stadium (Tonga)

Sat 31 Jan – Apia, Apia Park (Samoa)

Waitangi Weekend Celebrations:

Thu 5 Feb – Whangārei, Semenoff Stadium

Fri 6 Feb – Napier, Tremain Field

Sat 7 Feb – Mount Maunganui, Tauranga

Thu 12 Feb – Wellington, Waitangi Park

Fri 13 Feb – Pukekohe, Navigation Homes Stadium

Sat 14 Feb – New Plymouth, Bowl of Brooklands

Each show will feature a stellar lineup of Aotearoa artists joining Ali Campbell onstage, with full lineups to be announced soon. The festival series promises an electric mix of classic hits, cultural celebration, and the vibrant energy of summer in the Pacific.

With more than 70 million albums sold and over 50 UK chart hits, Ali Campbell remains one of reggae’s most enduring voices. His current live band – widely praised as the most authentic representation of UB40’s founding sound – is set to bring those legendary tracks to life once again for Kiwi and Island fans.

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

Tickets go on sale Thursday 7 August at 7:00 PM NZT, with pre-sale available from Wednesday 6 August at 7:00 PM NZT.

Register now at https://bit.ly/4lXj4Na to secure your spot.

Whether you're a lifelong UB40 fan or just ready to vibe under the summer sky, Whangārei’s Waitangi Weekend show is one not to miss.

For media enquiries, interviews, or press assets, please contact: Walt Robberds walt@trademarklive.co.nz 020 4064 4589 

To contact Semenoff Stadium: 

Brent Markwick | Chief Executive | Northland Events Centre (2021) Trust

0274 749491| ce@nect2021.co.nz | www.northlandeventscentre.co.nz