Africa Oyé festival to skip year but return in 2026

The organisers of Liverpool's Africa Oyé festival have announced that there will be no summer festival this year but but have promised to be back in 2026.

Officials have blamed rising costs of up to 30% due to the festival's popularity, with record attendances in last year.

They have estimated that health and safety and event control alone would cost an estimated £150,000.

The festival, which celebrates African and Caribbean music and culture, was headlined last year by the son of reggae legend Bob Marley. It will take place on the weekend of 20-21 June in 2026 in the city's Sefton Park.

Artistic director Paul Duhaney stressed that "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".

Liverpool City Council has supported the decision.

Councillor Harry Doyle said: "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 Music Venues Trust said financial stresses led 125 UK venues to abandon live music in 2023, with over half of these shutting entirely. Many festivals have also shut down.

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