Africa Oye Festival
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The Africa Oyé Festival is a joyful celebration of African and global cultures, set against the green backdrop of Sefton Park in Liverpool. The festival comes alive with colourful costumes, live music on multiple stages, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Held every summer since 1992, it has grown into Britain's largest free gathering of African music and arts. The name 'Oyé' means 'joy' in Yoruba, and it truly lives up to that spirit: families and friends dance together, explore market stalls, and revel in the vibrant energy under the sunny skies.
Live performances are at the heart of Africa Oyé, featuring top artists and energetic newcomers from across Africa and the Caribbean. You might sway to Afrobeat or highlife one moment, then groove to reggae, soukous, soca, salsa or zouk the next. Alongside the main stage, there is a second stage showcasing fresh talents and intriguing acts. Workshops and interactive activities add another dimension, giving everyone a chance to join drumming circles, dance lessons, storytelling sessions or discussions about African heritage. With so many genres and activities on offer, there is something for everyone - from longtime fans of African beats to newcomers hearing these sounds for the first time.
Africa Oyé is really more than just music. All around the park you will find a vibrant 'Oyé Village' of market stalls offering African and Caribbean crafts, artwork, fashion and mouthwatering food. Browse colourful fabrics, handmade jewellery and paintings, and taste jollof rice, plantain and jerk chicken, or other delightful street foods. A special children's area gives little ones room to play and create, so it truly is a family-friendly event. Many visitors bring picnic blankets to relax on the grass between sets, turning the day into a community picnic and dance party all in one.
What really sets Africa Oyé apart is its feeling of warmth and togetherness. The crowd is big and happy - locals who have been coming for years, newcomers eager to discover something new, and everyone in between. The vibe is vibrant and inclusive, celebrating diversity in every corner of the park. You will leave with new music, dance moves, and a deeper appreciation for the wonderful cultures of Africa and its diaspora. Whether you come with friends or on your own, the atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
Africa Oyé will be held on Saturday 20 June and Sunday 21 June 2026 at Sefton Park in Liverpool. Mark these dates on your calendar and gather your friends and family for another unforgettable weekend of music, dance and cultural celebration. All the vibrant colours, joyful sounds and warm community spirit you love will be back, plus some exciting new surprises. Whether you have been before or will be joining us for the first time, you can expect your heart to be filled with happiness at Africa Oyé!
St Helens and Liverpool are well connected by public transport. Trains run regularly from St Helens Central station to Liverpool Lime Street, taking around 30 minutes. Stagecoach buses (such as the 10A) also link the two towns. Once in Liverpool, the local Merseyrail network and city buses serve Sefton Park: buses 82 and 61 on Aigburth Road stop near the park. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is about 10 miles south; there are frequent buses or taxis from the airport to the city centre. Manchester Airport (about 25 miles east) is another option, with fast train connections into Liverpool and onward local transport.
By car, the M62 is the main route into Liverpool from the east and the M57 from the north; follow signs to the Aigburth Road or Mossley Hill Road exits for Sefton Park. Parking close to the park is limited, so many visitors use city centre car parks or park at Liverpool South Parkway station and continue by bus. For accommodation, Liverpool offers a range of hotels and guest houses. The city centre and Georgian Quarter have many convenient options, while the southern suburbs near Lark Lane and Sefton Park have charming guesthouses and pubs with rooms. If you look a little further, St Helens itself and nearby Warrington also have hotel options, with easy rail links back to Liverpool. It is wise to book lodging early, especially in summer months, to secure the best prices and availability.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
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| BW Hallmark Hotel Liverpool Alicia | 1.1 ml | £44.00 | Book | |
| Westfield Lodge | 1.1 ml | £30.00 | Book | |
| The Mountford | 1.3 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Grove Suites | 1.4 ml | £42.00 | Book | |
| Arinza Apartments | 2.0 ml | £43.00 | Book | |
| May s House | 2.0 ml | £370.00 | Book | |
| Cargo Cafe Apartments | 2.0 ml | £27.00 | Book | |
| The Old Dairy | 2.1 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| The Georgian Town House Hotel | 2.2 ml | £49.00 | Book | |
| Merseyview Apartment | 2.3 ml | £200.00 | Book | |
| Base Serviced Apartments - The Docks | 2.3 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| Village Hotel Wirral | 2.4 ml | £69.00 | Book | |
| Dolby Hotel | 2.5 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| Campanile Liverpool | 2.6 ml | £34.00 | Book | |
| Hope Street Hotel | 2.6 ml | £90.00 | Book |
Liverpool, Merseyside, L171AF
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