Everything we know so far about Africa Oyé 2026

Africa Oyé is one of the city’s brightest and most popular family-friendly festivals – and it’s back again for 2026.

The largest celebration of African music and culture anywhere in the UK, there’ll be artists coming from all over the world and, as well as live music and DJ stages, there’ll be workshops, arts, crafts, fashion, food, and drink stalls in the amazing Oyé Village.

It’s one of Liverpool’s best events for people of all ages, so if you’re planning to put it in your calendar, here’s everything we know so far.

When is it – and what time?

The festival is taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, from 12.30pm until 9.30pm on both days.

Where will it be?

Africa Oyé is back at Sefton Park, its home since 2002.

What does it cost, and do I need to book?

This year is the first year that Africa Oyé has been a ticketed event to ensure it can go ahead AND be the quality event we’ve all come to know and love. Advance tickets are already available from TicketQuarter starting at £19 for an individual ticket, and £14.75 for groups of four or more. Student and NHS tickets are £16 and under-12s are free.

Do we know who’ll be performing yet?

The list is growing but the incredible news already is that Janet Kay is making her Oyé debut on the main stage this year. Best known for her hit single Silly Games, the multi-award-winning artist was featured in the Music Guinness Book of Records as the first Black British born female reggae artist to hit the top of the UK Pop Charts.

Joining her are feminist five-piece band Nana Benz Du Togo, Afrofuturist singer-songwriter and pioneer of Congolese Electric music Kizaba, eco-punks Fulu Miziki, Afrobeats heavyweight Patoranking, and the Afrofuturist singer Fatoumata Diawara.

Oyé DJ Sessions

Africa Oyé is set to welcome back a host of familiar faces as well as brand new talent to DJ at the festival this June, showcasing their sounds across the wider festival site at the Trenchtown and Freetown zones.

Trenchtown

Trenchtown will have some of the country’s top Afro-centric DJs as well as home-grown selectors playing music from across the African diaspora; dub, reggae, ska, jazz, Afrobeat, house and more.

SATURDAY

12.30-2pm: Just So You Know

2-3pm: DJ NS

3-4pm: DJ Mayeva

4-5pm: Bugzy Lee

5-6pm: Rich Furness

6-7pm: Papu Raf

7-8pm: Danykas DJ

8-9pm: Hannah Lynch B2B G33 (Girls Don’t Synch)

SUNDAY

12.30-1.30pm: Lord Borthbury

1.30-2.30pm: Robin Jackson

2.30-3.30pm: Lady Spice

3.30-4.30pm: In Fine Style (Elliot Hutchinson)

4.30-5.30pm: Jamie Ape (Golden Ape Records)

5.30-6.30pm: Dub Defenders

6.30-7.30pm: Hooligan – Dupla & MC Sas (Sleep Less Records)

7.30-9pm: 100^th Monkey

* Trenchtown also features the original Oyé Inn, one of three licensed bars at Africa Oyé.

Freetown
Freetown hosts DJs playing Afrobeat, reggae, dub, funk, soul, hiphop and jazz. There’s a seating area ideal for chilling out and a dancefloor for those who feel more like moving.

SATURDAY

1-2pm: Jomo

2-3pm: Chris McBride

3-4pm: Holmesy

4-5pm: Jacques Malchance

5-6pm: Truth & Lies

6-7pm: Zacharia Soul

7-8pm: Colin Williams

8-9pm: Morgan (Liverpool Disco Festival/Hustle)

SUNDAY

1-2pm: Funkdub

2-3pm: Amber Rose

3-4pm: Soulfultiz

4-5.30pm: Lyrical Compact

5.30-7pm: Evesdrop Collective

7-8pm: Giovanna

8-9pm: Dharma Collective

What kind of food will there be?

So many choices including authentic African, Mediterranean, Asian, English and Caribbean cuisine, traditional French crepes, baguettes, Italian paninis, fresh fruit smoothies, cookies, hot donuts and pastries and fresh ground coffee… and more!

The Oye Village

As well as food here, there’ll be stalls selling everything from arts, crafts, hats, clothing, jewellery and accessories. You’ll also be able to find charities, training, demonstrations, workshops, storytelling and more.

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 and activities along with a funfair.

Keep up to date

You can find out more and keep up to date about all things Africa Oyé at https://africaoye.com/