Full Metal Orchestra: What to know before rocking out at Bowl of Brooklands

Dust off the leather jackets and get ready to rock, because the Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra is back for 2026, taking over the iconic Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth this Saturday, March 7th.

This isn’t your usual outdoor gig – it’s a full-on collision of symphonic orchestra meets hard rock and heavy metal with some of New Zealand’s biggest rock bands performing. 

Expect breathtaking cover and orchestra-led madness all jammed into one epic day.

Whether you’re a metalhead or a first-timer keen on the symphonic rock experience, we’ve got you covered - easy as!

TICKETS

Limited tickets are still available. If you are keen to get amongst the noise, check here for your best chance to get your hands on a ticket. 

Tip: Make sure you bring your ticket, either printed or screenshotted on your phone.

SET TIMES

• 4.00pm - Gates Open

• 4.30pm - Kane Hawkins – Opening DJ

• 5.20pm - I Am Giant

• 5.50pm - Changeover – Kane Hawkins

• 6.00pm - Jon Toogood Unplugged

• 6.45pm - Changeover – Kane Hawkins

• 7.00pm - Devilskin

• 7.45pm - Changeover – Kane Hawkins

• 8.00pm - Blindspott

• 8.45pm - Changeover – Kane Hawkins

• 9.15pm - FULL METAL ORCHESTRA Show

• 10.00pm - Event Concludes

No pass-outs will be permitted for this event.

TRANSPORT

Plan ahead, because you don’t want to miss a second of the madness! Regular buses stop near Pukekura Park, but for the smoothest ride, use the Transit app to track real-time routes and any special event shuttles.

If you’re staying nearby, walking is always a solid option, too.

There are three main gates to get into the Bowl of Brooklands:

• Brooklands Drive (off Brooklands Road)

• Racecourse through Pukekura Raceway (off Coronation Avenue)

• Kaimata (via Kaimata Street)

PARKING

Limited street parking will be available on Brooklands Road and nearby streets.

• Pukekura Raceway via Coronation Avenue

• Drop-off/pick-up areas are located at the bottom of Brooklands Drive and outside the Kaimata Street gate

Accessibility:

Wheelchair seating is available when allocated seats are on sale - just make sure you mention it when booking. 

Wheelchairs are also welcome in the General Admission area, but keep in mind that some parts of the Bowl are pretty steep.

There are a limited number of mobility car parks too, but you’ll need to book those in advance - get in touch ahead of the event to organise.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

You’re welcome to bring a small picnic from home, but leave the BYO booze and takeaways at home. 

If you do plan on bringing a feed, your bag will need to be smaller than A4 size, so pack smart.

If not, there’ll be bars on site, plus food trucks serving up a delicious range of options

You can bring sealed, clear, or empty plastic water bottles (up to 750mL), but no glass, cheers!

ENTRY RULES

What you CAN bring:

• Bags no bigger than A4 size (30cm x 30cm) - they will be searched on entry

• Sealed, clear plastic water bottles 

• Empty plastic water bottles (up to 1L)

• Small amounts of homemade picnic food

• Low-level sand chairs (if permitted for this specific event - check beforehand)

• Guide dogs (as long as they stay on a lead)

What to NOT bring:

• Alcohol

• Glass or cans

• Commercial takeaways (no KFC, Subway, etc.)

• Chairs (unless low-level sand chairs are explicitly allowed)

• Umbrellas or tables

• Professional cameras or selfie sticks

• Pets (except guide dogs)

Have a blast, and we will catch you there!