Africa Oyé 2023: Everything you need to know about this year’s Sefton Park festival

One of Liverpool’s favourite family-friendly festivals, Africa Oyé, is coming back this June.

Africa Oyé is the largest celebration of African music and culture anywhere in the UK, with artists coming from across the world to be a part of a huge internationally recognised event.

Africa Oyé is now in its 31^st year and still as hugely popular as ever, marking the start of the summer festival season with a fantastic gathering of cultures, live music, DJ stages, workshops, plus more than 90 arts, crafts, fashion, food and drink stalls in the Oyé Village.

It’s one not to be missed, for all ages, so if you’re looking forward to being there this year, here’s everything we know so far about Africa Oyé 2023 …

When is it?

The festival will take place over the weekend of Saturday June 17 and Sunday June 18, from 12.30pm until 9.30pm on both days.

Where will it be?

Africa Oyé is back again at Sefton Park which has been its home since 2002. That means it’s really easy to get to by Merseyrail, just take the Hunts Cross line and get off at St Michaels station then cross over Aigburth Road, down Lark Lane and you’re there. There are also lots of buses taking in Sefton Park including the 75, 80, 80A, 26/27, 60, 76, 82, 82A and 500 airport express service.

Do I need to book in advance?

No, it’s absolutely free so no tickets or booking, just turn up on the day and enjoy! The Africa Oyé team works all year to keep the festival free, and it has support from partners including Liverpool City Council and Arts Council England. Festivalgoers can do their bit by donating at the Donation Station by the main stage, becoming a Friend of Oyé via the website, throwing some change into the buckets carried by volunteers at the festival site, buying official merch or a drink at one of the Oyé Inns.

Who’ll be performing?

The full line-ups and stage times are still to be revealed, but we do know who’ll be headlining on both days. On the Saturday acclaimed Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist Tanya Stephens, who’s been compared to the late great Bob Marley,will bring the main stage to an incredible finale, and then on the Sunday Seun Kuti– son of the legendary afrobeat star, Fela Kuti – will headline with his band, Egypt 80.

  Other artists already confirmed are Ghanian highlife stars FRA!, guitarist percussionist and balafón player Kimi Djabaté, Cameroonian Afrosoul vocalist Veeby, and London-born Afro-swing rapper ZieZie.

  In addition to all the established international artists, don’t miss the festival’s Oyé Introduces programme which showcases some of the brightest up-and-coming local talent. Liverpool R&B vocal harmony group, AMBA, have been chosen to open the main stage on Saturday, and South Liverpool hip hop trio, Black Borough, will kick things off on the Sunday.

Any other stages?

The two DJ stages Trenchtown and Freetown will be returning so expect top Afro-centric DJs from Liverpool and across the UK playing an all-day set of dub, reggae, ska, jazz, Afrobeat, house, funk, soul, hip-hop and jazz.

Is there anything for kids to do?

One of the most popular areas of festival is always The Oyé Active Zone which hosts free multi-arts workshops across the whole weekend. For 2023, there’ll be a new Toddler Zone specifically for the littlest festival goers. There’s also a funfair with lots of rides.

And when it’s over … it’s not over, it’s the after-parties

There are always a few to choose from but so far announced is Disco Africa at the Handyman Pub, Smithdown Road on the Saturday night. It’s free entry and on from 6pm til 1am. 

Find out more on the Africa Oyé website HERE.

Get the latest for Liverpool HERE.