'Gutted' Africa Oyé fans voice their disappointment over 2025 hiatus

Africa Oye Festival in Sefton Park.
-Credit:Colin Lane


Africa Oyé fans were "gutted" when the event's organisers confirmed there will be no summer festival in 2025. The annual celebration of African music and culture enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2024 with some of the biggest crowds in the festival's history.

However, due to increased costs associated with this growth and a rise in industry supplier costs across the sector, the charity behind the event has decided to take a 'fallow year'. Despite the disappointment, the festival is set for a strong comeback with dates already confirmed for June 21 and 22, 2026.

Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, the festival's main sponsors, supported the decision. To help ensure a successful return, fundraising concerts are planned across the region over the next 12 months, with announcements on the first shows expected soon.

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Artistic director of Africa Oyé, Paul Duhaney, said: "We understand that there will of course be disappointment with this announcement. Our relationships with the Oyé family, festival staff, traders and service suppliers are very important to us and we did not take this decision lightly.

"With increased infrastructure and compliance costs, it is simply a case that 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, allow us time to negotiate with major partners, sponsors, and funders, and work towards a safe and successful return to Sefton Park.”

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People quickly took to social media to express their disappointment that there will be no festival this summer. Barry Jones said: "Gutted for the organisers and people who look forward to this event every year." Nikkie Clark simply wrote: "Gutted".

Morgan Mccready added: "Oh my goodness", whereas Paul Spraggett said: "Gutted. That's a shame." Bokani Hanyae said: "What am I going to do? This is my annual trip into Liverpool". Echoing a similar sentiment, David Huxley added: "Noooo what a shame. Hey, roll on 2026 and thanks for all the amazing shows."

The hiatus follows reports from the Music Venue Trust and the Association of Independent Festivals that numerous grassroots music venues and festivals have faced rising costs in recent years.

Director Jen Cleary, from the North and Combined Arts, Arts Council England, said: "Africa Oyé’s celebrations of African music and culture are well-loved across both the North West and the national music scene and it was great to see record attendances to its 2024 festival.

"Given the current challenges, we understand the decision to take a fallow year and we are pleased to support the team as it works on strengthening the festival’s future. We look forward to seeing Africa Oyé return in 2026."