The Africa Oyé festival, a beloved celebration of African music and culture held annually in Liverpool’s Sefton Park, will take a hiatus in 2025, returning in June 2026. The festival, which attracted record crowds in 2024, has fallen victim to escalating costs impacting the entire events industry. Organizers cite increased infrastructure and compliance expenses as the primary reasons for the pause, acknowledging the disappointment the decision will undoubtedly cause among the festival’s dedicated fanbase, staff, vendors, and partners. The break will allow the festival team to secure funding, negotiate with sponsors and partners, and ensure a secure and successful return in 2026, according to Artistic Director Paul Duhaney.
The decision highlights the widespread financial challenges facing the live music sector. Across the country, approximately 125 grassroots music venues closed their doors in the past year, while an estimated 192 festivals have disappeared since 2019. This trend underscores the precarious position of many arts organizations struggling to navigate rising costs and changing economic landscapes. The increasing financial burden of safety and infrastructure requirements is a significant factor in these closures, particularly for outdoor events like Africa Oyé.
Africa Oyé organizers are not alone in grappling with these challenges. The Arts Council England, a key funding body, recognizes the difficulties facing the festival and supports the decision to take a fallow year. Jen Cleary, Director of North and Combined Arts for the Arts Council, emphasized the festival’s cultural significance and expressed confidence in its eventual return. This support underscores the importance of cultural events like Africa Oyé and the need for sustainable solutions to ensure their survival.
Liverpool City Council also expressed its commitment to the festival’s long-term success. Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, acknowledged the significant growth of Africa Oyé and its importance to the city. He highlighted the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the events industry, emphasizing the increased pressures on outdoor events. The council’s unwavering support for the festival’s hiatus and future planning demonstrates the city’s recognition of the event’s cultural and economic value.
The cancellation of Africa Oyé serves as a microcosm of the broader struggles within the live events industry. The rising costs associated with infrastructure, compliance, and other essential elements are forcing difficult decisions upon organizers. While the temporary closure of the festival is undoubtedly disappointing for music lovers, it is a strategic move to ensure the event’s long-term viability. The commitment from funding bodies and local authorities provides a glimmer of hope for the future of Africa Oyé and other festivals facing similar challenges.
The challenges facing Africa Oyé are not unique. Another example of an event impacted by external factors is the Strathaven Balloon Festival in Scotland, which was cancelled in 2024 due to severe weather conditions caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto. This incident illustrates how unpredictable circumstances can also force cancellations, highlighting the vulnerability of outdoor events. The cancellation of Strathaven, a popular event attracting thousands of visitors annually, further underscores the range of challenges facing event organizers. This example serves as a reminder that even well-established events are susceptible to unforeseen circumstances that can necessitate cancellations or postponements.
