The organisers of Liverpool’s Africa Oyé have called upon local investors and the people of Liverpool to help keep the festival free.
From its humble beginnings in 1992 as a series of gigs in the city centre, Oyé has showcased the finest in African and Caribbean music in the likes of Concert Square, Princes Park and even across the water in Birkenhead. The festival made Sefton Park its home in 2005, where it has since taken place annually every June.
The infrastructure costs that come with the ever-increasing audience numbers – added security, medical staff, and toilets to name just a few – have been a constant challenge year on year.
“It’s something we’ve said many times before but it still rings true; Oyé is a victim of its own success. Our audience went up by thousands over a relatively short period of time. We’re grateful for the support we receive from Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, but unfortunately due to rising costs, we need more support to keep the festival free.” says Oyé’s Artistic Director, Paul Duhaney.
“Even if it’s just a couple of quid that people can spare – we really appreciate everyone’s donations” continued Paul. “They’re going to be vital going forward if we want to keep the event free and open to all and at the same level of quality we’re producing now.”
Oyé – a registered charity – has set up an online donations button on its website which can be found on the homepage at africaoye.com as well as a ‘Friends of Oyé‘ scheme for those who are able to contribute a bit more on an annual basis. Local investors are also invited to sponsor different elements of the festival, with the Access Facilities, On-Stage British Sign Language Interpreters, Oyé Active Zone Workshops, and the Main Stage itself all options for private sponsorship by businesses or individuals.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP KEEP OYÉ FREE ALL YEAR ROUND
– Buy official Oyé merchandise online or at the festival
– Volunteer at the festival
– Online shopping on Amazon? Do so via smile.amazon.co.uk and pick Africa Oyé as your chosen charity!
– Donate via the Paypal button on the africaoye.com homepage
– Become a ‘Friend of Oyé’ – click here for more info
For any investor or sponsorship enquiries, please email [email protected]
