Africa Oyé Hits Pause for 2025: Rising Costs Force Iconic Liverpool Festival to Take a Breather
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Oh no, Oyé fans—Liverpool’s beloved Africa Oyé festival has announced it won’t be gracing Sefton Park this summer. After a record-breaking year in 2024, the organizers have decided to take a much-needed “fallow year” in 2025, with plans to come back stronger than ever in June 2026.
The decision comes down to one frustrating but increasingly familiar issue: skyrocketing costs. Organizers say the price tag for delivering a safe, vibrant event has soared by up to 30%, with rising infrastructure and compliance costs making a 2025 edition unworkable without major investment.
Artistic Director Paul Duhaney shared the tough call in a heartfelt statement:
“With increased infrastructure and compliance costs, it is simply a case that without major investment to cover the costs of delivering a festival of this size safely, it would be irresponsible to go ahead with the event in 2025. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one to protect Oyé’s future.”
And it’s not just Oyé feeling the pinch. Since 2019, a staggering 211 UK festivals have either postponed, downsized, or shut their gates for good. Rising costs, Brexit’s impact on the live music sector, and an ongoing lack of government support have hit the industry hard. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has been vocal in its calls for a temporary VAT cut on festival tickets—from 20% down to 5%—to help events survive. But so far, no action has been taken.
John Rostron, CEO of the AIF, put it bluntly:
“Festival promoters are used to working with fine margins, but those margins have been eroded to near zero since the pandemic. Without intervention, we’ll keep losing these successful businesses and cultural cornerstones of communities all over the country.”
Despite the challenges, Oyé is determined to come back swinging. Duhaney revealed that the team will spend 2025 fundraising, negotiating with sponsors, and laying the groundwork for a triumphant return. There are already plans for a series of fundraising concerts across Liverpool, with dates and lineups to be announced soon.
And the festival’s main supporters, Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, are fully backing the decision.
“Africa Oyé’s celebrations of African music and culture are well-loved across the North West and beyond,” said Jen Cleary, Director of Arts Council England. “Given the current challenges, we understand the decision to take a fallow year and look forward to seeing Oyé return in 2026.”
Councillor Harry Doyle echoed the sentiment:
“Everything in the event world has changed post-Covid, with huge pressure on outdoor events. It’s right that the Oyé team takes the time to reset and prepare for what promises to be an incredible comeback.”
For Oyé fans, it’s a bittersweet moment. Yes, we’ll miss dancing under the summer sun to the sounds of African and Caribbean legends. But knowing Oyé, the break will only make the 2026 festival even more magical.
Mark your calendars: Africa Oyé returns to Sefton Park on June 20-21, 2026. Until then, keep an eye out for those fundraising concerts—they might just tide us over until the big day.
Here’s to Oyé: a festival worth waiting for.
