Africa Oyé have announced big changes for their 2026 festival as organisers prepare for an exciting new era for the much-loved event.
The UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture returns this summer following a fallow year in 2025 due to rising infrastructure costs, changing legislation, and the increasingly difficult challenge of keeping the event free.
The jewel in Liverpool’s festival crown will return as a ticketed event in 2026 with organisers committed to making it as affordable as possible for its audience.
Paul Duhaney, Artistic Director Africa Oyé spoke about the decision: “We couldn’t let the festival just disappear off the UK’s cultural calendar. The Board, myself, and the team all agreed that a paid event would be a much better alternative to no Oyé at all, and I hope our loyal audience agree with the decision and keep showing us the support they always have. The change will enable us to maintain and build on the quality of the event that people have come to expect and ensure that those attending can do so in safe and relaxed environment.”
The festival began back in 1992 as a series of gigs in Liverpool city centre put together by Africa Oyé’s founder, Kenny Murray. It’s growth over the last 33 years has seen it taken in multiple venues including Birkenhead Park, Princes Park, and Concert Square; it has taken place in the picturesque surroundings of Sefton Park since 2002.
Next year’s celebration – taking place on the 20th and 21st June 2026 – will be the first ticketed Oyé in Sefton Park in the festival’s history, as ever delivering an eclectic mix of international live acts, emerging talent, community performances, family friendly workshops, DJs, world cuisine, arts & crafts and much more.
Liverpool DJ Papu Raf plays the Trenchtown stage at Africa Oyé (Photo: Nick Clague)
Earlybird prices see local resident tickets start at just £6 with general admission beginning at £11. Children under 12 receive free entry to the event (with a paying adult) and there is a discount when buying for groups of four people.
Paul also explained how local organisations, shops and businesses can get involved next year: “Grassroots festivals rely on the support of the local community and Oyé has always enjoyed great support from the city and region – including additional support pledged by Liverpool City Council for this first year of transition to a ticketed event. We’ll be working with community organisations to distribute free tickets to as many low income people and families as possible. Any local companies that would like to buy a bundle of tickets to contribute to this effort and be recognised as an official supporter of the festival – so that we can pay it forward – would be hugely welcomed so please do get in touch.
We’re still a registered charity and we’ve kept the ticket prices as affordable as we possibly can. The Earlybird prices are limited though so grab them while you can and get the dates in your diary.”
Jen Cleary, Director North West, Arts Council England said: “We know that Africa Oyé is a popular event within both the North West and the music world, so I’m delighted that it will be returning in 2026. I’m sure that local people and visitors alike are looking forward to the relaunched Africa Oyé next year.”
A carnival dancer with the Katumba drumming troupe lead a parade around Sefton Park (Photo: Nick Clague)
Previous headliners of the festival have included titans of global music with Julian Marley, Oumou Sangaré, Akala, Fuse ODG, Tinariwen, Max Romeo, Baaba Maal, Horace Andy and many more all gracing the Oyé stage.
Africa Oyé 2026 will take place in Sefton Park, Liverpool on 20th and 21st June 2026. Tickets are on sale now via TicketQuarter and africaoye.com.
