Organisers behind the Africa Oyé Festival have announced a brand new Family Zone for this year’s event in Liverpool.
With an enhanced programme for families, this new area of the festival site will feature dance, storytelling, singing, drumming, a host of creative workshops, games, and a range of arts and crafts and child-friendly entertainment, for even the youngest African and Caribbean music aficionados!
Building on the festival’s 18-year relationship with world dance specialists Movema, and the always-popular Oyé Active Zone, the festival continues 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.
They will be complemented with family-friendly performances, creative activities, and educational and environmental workshops, creating a diverse and vibrant area for all ages to enjoy.
On the Sunday of the festival, expect huge beats from the Afro-Brazilian mega-bloco Katumba as they collaborate with Dancing Queens to parade around the festival site, creating a rhythmic explosion as Caribbean carnival meets Brazilian carnival. Anyone can join the parade!
More returning favourites include the LFC Foundation with sporting activities for all, and take action on plastics, with Plastic Tactics’ workshops running across the weekend.
Since 2023, the festival’s Dance Tent has been programmed collaboratively by Movema with local artists from the African Diaspora, and in 2026, Afro Dance Academy is a guest curator of both the Dance and Kukina tents.
Sefton Park Prepares to Welcome Collaborative Caribbean and Brazilian Carnivals
Afro Dance Academy is an artist collective based in Liverpool, celebrating African Diaspora dance through workshops, events and performances.
From local talent to international artists, their work creates bridges between cultures and brings people together through the love of movement.
The curators, Afro Dance Academy, have named the new tent ‘Kukina’, from the Kimbundu language of Angola.
Confirmed artist workshops at the Movema and Kukina tents include Beatlife, who combine Afro-Brazilian and Cuban grooves with modern urban beats, creating a lively international sound.
Capoeira for All will offer an Afro-Brazilian art form combining elements of dance, martial art, music and culture for ages four and above.
Dancing Queens will bring the vibrant energy, joy and freedom of Caribbean Carnival to Oyé with an uplifting dance workshop open to all alongside a live parade with Katumba.
Katumba will deliver huge Brazilian beats from their Afro-Brazilian mega-bloco, while Ray Duhaney will lead a calming yet energising yoga session.
Holistic Harmonies and friends will use music, movement and song to promote positive wellbeing for the whole family, and Movema Family Dance will lead a family dance workshop for all ages.
Afro Dance Academy will also bring authentic and fresh moves from their Liverpool collective of young dance artists.
Whether people are taking a break from the main stage or looking for creative and educational activities the kids will love, the vibrant and inclusive Family Zone is a space to connect, dance, relax and celebrate.
The Africa Oyé Festival takes place on 20th and 21st June in Liverpool’s Sefton Park.
Tickets are available now for both days here.
Guest Curators Detail Cultural Significance of New Dedicated Activity Space
The introduction of the new zone strengthens ties between regional performance collectives and the long-running multi-cultural festival. Dorivalda from Afro Dance Academy says:
“Kukina, for us, it’s movement and more, it’s connection.
“It’s the way stories are shared without words, the way generations meet in rhythm, the way strangers become family.
“We named our tent ‘Kukina’ because everyone belongs here.
“No matter where you come from, how you move, or who you are, you’re invited to step in, join the circle, and be part of something bigger.
“This is a space for learning and togetherness. A space where culture lives, breathes, and welcomes all. Come show your art and get creative with us.”
The interactive programming aims to engage younger demographics through structured movement and environmental awareness sessions.
By incorporating Merseyside-based community projects alongside global performance styles, the weekend event offers varied educational outlets alongside the main stage musical schedule.
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