Africa Oyé, the African and Caribbean music and culture festival, has announced plans for its return in 2026. With a big change.

In January, the two-day festival revealed that it would be taking a fallow year. It cited rising infrastructure costs, changing legislation, and the increasingly difficult challenge of keeping the event free.

Now, the event is coming back, taking place in Sefton Park, with a ticketed model. What’s more, the organising team states that Africa Oyé is committed to being as affordable as possible for its audience.

Paul Duhaney, artistic director at Africa Oyé, said: “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 June 20-21, 2026 – will be the first ticketed Oyé in Sefton Park in the festival’s history.

Image: Africa Oyé/Mark McNulty