Home ARTS & CULTURE Africa Oyé Festival Takes Break, Set To Return 2026

Africa Oyé Festival Takes Break, Set To Return 2026

by InlandTown Editor
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Festival Oye

The organizers of Liverpool’s Africa Oyé festival have announced that the much-loved summer event will not take place in 2025 due to rising costs. However, they have promised fans that the festival will make a grand return on June 20-21, 2026, in Sefton Park.

Rising costs, driven by the festival’s growing popularity and record-breaking attendance in 2024, were cited as the primary reason for the decision. Organizers revealed that health and safety measures and event control alone are estimated to cost £150,000.

Artistic Director Paul Duhaney explained the rationale behind the pause, emphasizing the need for financial sustainability. “We did not take this decision lightly,” he said. “Without major investment to cover the costs of delivering a festival of this size safely, it would be irresponsible to go ahead with the event in 2025. I can reassure everyone that the festival will be back in 2026. The break will allow us to raise money through a series of fundraising concerts.”

The festival, which celebrates African and Caribbean music and culture has become a staple of Liverpool’s cultural calendar. Last year, it was headlined by Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to Sefton Park.

Liverpool City Council has expressed its support for the decision. Councillor Harry Doyle acknowledged the challenges facing event organizers. “Everything in the event world has changed post-COVID-19, with huge pressure on all outdoor events in terms of infrastructure. It is right that Paul and the team have the time to reset after consistently delivering an event which gets bigger and better every year.”

The challenges faced by Africa Oyé are reflective of broader struggles in the live music and events industry. The Music Venues Trust reported that in 2023, financial pressures forced 125 UK venues to abandon live music, with more than half closing permanently. Many festivals have also been unable to continue under the weight of rising costs.

Fans of Africa Oyé are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on the planned fundraising events, which aim to secure the festival’s long-term future.

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