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Days of persistent rain have forced organisers of the Africa Oyé festival in Liverpool to cancel this year's event. *See bel;ow for details of alternative venues.
The two day festival was due to be staged in Sefton Park this weekend (23rd/24th June) but it was decided that it could not go ahead because the parkland arena is waterlogged.
Africa Oyé was set to celebrate their 20th year of bringing African music and culture to the city, but the terrible weather of the last few days has made it impossible to go ahead with the original plans.
A statement from Africa Oyé organisers said: "We are very sad to have to announce that due to heavy rain over the last few nights causing several Health and Safety issues in the set up of the festival site as well as the potential accidents that could happen over the weekend because of the weather, Africa Oye has been forced to cancel this weekend's festival in Sefton Park.
"The stage crew have been unable to put the stage up in the current conditions and the vehicles that have already driven onto the field have left much of the area unfit for the festival.
"We are very sorry at having to let you know at this late stage but we hope you understand that it is out of the organisers' hands and no decision could be made until this afternoon and the early signs were promising. Unfortunately, more heavy rain this morning has tipped the scales out of Oye's favour. This decision was not taken lightly."
Africa Oyé is not the only festival that has been affected by the weather this weekend, Croxteth Park Festival, has had to be postponed until August due to a waterlogged field.
However, it is not all bad news for music fans. Organisers of Africa Oye are determined not to let the weather defeat them and organisers are hoping to stage an indoor event elsewhere in the city.
A message to fans of their Facebook page said: "There WILL be an event happening this weekend away from the park - Africa Oye is working on a contingency plan and we will bring you news as soon as it's been confirmed. Keep your eyes peeled to the social networks below"
It is thought some acts may try to stage improtu indoor gigs... notices may be posted on the Africa Oyé site www.africaoye.com or on FaceBook
Facebook.com/africaoye
twitter - @africaoye
* The Africa Oyé Block Party @ The Picket from 5pm til 11pm
Saturday 23rd June @ The Picket, Jordan Street, Liverpool
The original Saturday festival line up will be performing and there will be a selection of stalls from the Oyé Village
ALSO ...
DJ's from the Oyé Inn will be performing
@ The Blade Factory from 5pm til 11pm
Over 18s only inside both venues
FREE admission
