2012

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Africa Oyé Festival has been cancelled.

A statement from organisers says:

"We are very sad to have to announce that due to heavy rain over the last few nights causing several Health and Safety issues in the set up of the festival site as well as the potential accidents that could happen over the weekend because of the weather, Africa Oyé has been forced to cancel this weekend's festival in Sefton Park.

The stage crew have been unable to put the stage up in the current conditions and the vehicles that have already driven onto the field have left much of the area unfit for the festival.

We are very sorry at having to let you know at this late stage but we hope you understand that it is out of the organisers' hands and no decision could be made until this afternoon and the early signs were promising. Unfortunately, more heavy rain this morning has tipped the scales out of Oye's favour. The decision was not taken lightly.

However...

There WILL be an event happening this weekend away from the park - Africa Oyé is working on a contingency plan and we will bring you news as soon as it's been confirmed. Keep your eyes peeled to the social networks below:

Facebook.com/africaoye
twitter - @africaoye

Thank you for understanding and watch this space."

====================
The African Music Festival now in its 20th year, is held on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June, and features artists from nations right across Africa, and also from South America and The Caribbean will play in Sefton Park for a two day family-friendly celebration of cultural diversity from 12.30pm until 9pm on both days.

Sefton Park is transformed into an Oyé village, where you can try traditional food, buy fairtrade goods, enjoy a hair braiding, watch video and fashion shows, try henna art, puppet making, healing and remedial massage, and most importantly, listen to some of the best up-and-coming African artists around.

Line-up

The Rasites, Brinsley Forde, Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga, Jaliba Kuyateh, Diabel Cissokho, Samba Mapangala & Orchestre Virunga, The Endless Journey, and Yabba Funk. Expect a line-up of great reggae and world music.

Artists are also expected to perform in the week preceding the festival with lunchtime guitar sessions at St Lukes Church, Radio Merseyside sessions and club beats at The Magnet.

FREE

This year the event will once again be free.

More info

With over 60 stalls selling the best food, drink, arts and crafts, and fashion from Africa and beyond at the Oye Village, Africa Oye is about far more than just music. Long time supporter News From Nowhere, one of the UKs premier stockists of African music, will have merchandise from all the performing artists and much more on sale. Its a great opportunity to not only take in some of the best roots music around, but take some home with you too.

Children

Children's Entertainment includes workshops, percussion troupes, bouncy castles, mobile climbing wall, face painting, plus a Rodeo for the adults.

Oye Inn

Once again, this year Oye will feature a state of the art 500 capacity beer tent selling ice cold draught lager, selected spirits and soft drinks all at affordable prices and served in a safe environment. Please remember – Africa Oye is a family friendly festival, please drink responsibly.

In keeping with the tradition of Africa Oyé all attendees will still be able to bring their own food and drink although BBQ's are banned from the Festival site for Health and Safety reasons.

Facilities

The Oye Village will offer food from all over the world, music, arts & crafts, clothes, drums, massages, tea & coffee, smoothies, a beer tent, and more.

More info

For more information, see the Africa Oyé Festival website.

More information will be here when available.

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