A powerhouse mix of live music, roaring engines and community spirit is in gear for the Matatā Big Bike Week Fundraising Music Festival next week.

Running from Thursday, April 9, to Sunday, April 12, at the Matatā Hotel and surrounding area, the multi-day event promises non-stop entertainment while raising funds for the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter and the SPCA.

Event organiser Cindy Signal said the festival was shaping up to be an exciting community event, bringing together incredible bikes, live music, great prizes and a wide range of activities, all in support of first responders and community organisations.

A lagoon bar, food vendors, merchandise stalls and motorcycle-related displays will be set up alongside the hotel.

Although the event is R18, a gold coin area will be set up for families to view the motorcycles and for children to get their faces painted.

One of the major draws is the raffle of a Harley-Davidson Breakout, with all proceeds going to the Matatā Fire Brigade. Tickets are $75 and available from Whakatāne Printers and the Matatā Hotel.

Music festival organiser Fiona Cosgrove said the line-up featured an impressive range of talent.

“We’ve got music running from 10.30am through to 10pm on the stage in the garden bar each day, plus late-night performances inside the venue,” she said.

Thursday highlights – among the many musical acts – include Taupō band Sonorous, featuring a teenage guitarist ranked among the world’s top young blues players, alongside crowd-favourite AC/DC tribute band NZDC.

Friday’s programme features internationally travelled rock fusion act The After, popular U2 tribute band Zoo.2, and a headline set from rock blues outfit Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie.

Saturday ramps up the energy with performances from Laughton Kora in a duo set, rockabilly favourites The Recliner Rockers, and a highly anticipated closing performance from Devilskin.

“The festival aims to raise money for first responders. We also want to celebrate New Zealand motorcycle culture, and have a fun, big festival.

“We are so excited to bring this to Matata.”

Matatā Big Bike Week
Fundraising Music Festival
■ Where: Matatā Hotel
■ When: April 9-12
■ Entry: Three-day ($240) and one-day passes ($90-$150) from Matatā Hotel, Harley Davidson Motorcycles and Humanatix.com, plus door sales
■ Raffle tickets: Whakatāne Printers and at Matatā Hotel