One of Liverpool’s most treasured music and arts festivals is up for a national award.
Africa Oyé is an annual celebration that takes place in Sefton Park every June, but this year’s looks to have been particularly significant as it has been nominated for a UK Festival Award for Best Medium-Sized Festival.
This accolade goes to the best event with a daily capacity between 10,000 – 39,999 people.
The 2019 edition of Africa Oyé contained a wide range of acts, including Moonlight Benjamin and Gasper Nali.
Artisic Director of Africa Oyé, Paul Duhaney, told JMU Journalism of his pride at the nomination.
He said: “We call Liverpool the best festival audience in the world for good reason. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at Oyé and the love we get from the city seems to grow year upon the year. We really appreciate it.”
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Oyé is up against a number of others shortlisted, including the likes of Y Not, Neighbourhood Weekender and Camp Bestival.
Mr Duhaney is optimistic that the festival could continue to grow: “In terms of line-up it was certainly one of our strongest from top to bottom and on the Saturday we broke our attendance records so it would have to be considered one of, if not the, best festivals we’ve ever had in Sefton Park.
“It’s always nice to be recognised amongst your peers in the industry.”
The award ceremony will take place in London on December 5th and will be hosted by rapper and comedian, Doc Brown.