Everything you need to know about Africa Oyé 2026

It’s just over a week until city favourite festival Africa Oyé – and it’s looking like another amazing weekend of music, arts and activities.

Silly Games legend Janet Kay is heading to Liverpool for her festival debut for starters.

And the award-winning singer is just of the highlights of the family-friendly event that’s set to be better than ever for 2026.

So, if you’ve got tickets – or are planning to get them – here’s everything you need to know.

When is Africa Oyé taking place?

The festival’s on Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, from 12.30pm until 9.30pm on both days.

Where’s it held?

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.

Get tickets here.

Are tickets still available?

There are, but if you want to be sure of being part of the UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture, what are you waiting for? Get them now.

Who’s performing on the main stage and when are they on?

Like we said, Janet Kay is making her Oyé debut on the main stage on Sunday. 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.

And she’s just one of loads of incredible artists set to perform:

Saturday

12.30-12.50pm: Batala Mersey

1.10-1.35pm: Liverpool Hip Hop Festival Cypher – a showcase of emerging local rap and hip-hop talent

2-3.10pm: Senegalese singer-songwriter Oumy

3.10pm – Dance with Batala in front of the main stage

3.35-4.45pm: Mozambican band Ghorwane

5.05-6.15pm: Ghanaian musician King Ayisoba

6.35-7.45pm: Afrofuturist singer-songwriter and pioneer of Congolese Electric music Kizaba

8.15-9.30pm: Afrobeats heavyweight Patoranking.

Sunday

12.30-12.50pm: Positive Impact

1.10-1.30pm: KOJ presents Tribe ftr KOJ and Friends – a collaborative Black British Music showcase curated by Liverpool hip-hop artist KOJ

1.30-1.40pm: Red Bull brings the Vim

1.50-2.50pm: Awale Jant Band

3.10-4.10pm: Kobo Town

4.30-5.30pm: Eco-punks Fulu Miziki

5.30-5.40pm: Red Bull brings the Vim

5.50-6.20pm: Janet Kay

6.40-7.45pm: Nana Benz Du Togo;

8.15-9.30pm: Afrofuturist singer Fatoumata Diawara

2.50-4.10pm: Katumba & Dancing Queens Parades.

Oyé DJ Stage

The DJ stage is soundtracked by 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, funk, soul, hiphop, house and more. There’s plenty of room if you want to dance the weekend away and seating areas for when you want to relax and chill.

What kind of food will there be?

Everything from 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… plus more!

The Oye Village

As well as food, 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.

New Family Zone

Building on the festival’s 18 year relationship with world dance specialists Movema and the always-popular Oyé Active Zone, the festival is continuing this partnership to launch the new Family Zone at Oyé ’26.

The Oyé Family Zone will host the Movema Dance Tent and new Kukina Creative Tent featuring relaxing and inspiring African Diaspora inspired activities, including storytelling, singing, drumming, arts, crafts, dance and holistic practices.

There’ll also be family friendly performances, creative activities, and educational and environmental workshops.