Africa Oyé are delighted to introduce a brand new Family Zone to this year’s festival.
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. 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 are guest curators of both the Dance and Kukina tents.
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.
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.”
Confirmed artist workshops at the Movema and Kukina tents include:
Beatlife
Afro-Brazilian and Cuban grooves with modern urban beats, creating a lively international sound. Expect vibrant multi-layered rhythms, a smiling celebration of this unique group of drummers of all ages… from L8 and beyond!
Capoeira for All
Capoeira is a fascinating Afro-Brazilian art form combining elements of dance, martial art, music and culture. Capoeira for All use the practice, values and ethos of Capoeira for positive social change. (Suitable for ages 4+).
Dancing Queens
Bringing the vibrant energy, joy and freedom of Caribbean Carnival to Oyé. Expect powerful movement, feel-good vibes, an uplifting Caribbean Carnival dance workshop open to all –
and a live parade with Katumba!
Katumba
Huge Brazilian beats from this Afro-Brazilian mega-bloco. Katumba is a community based project in Merseyside fostering mental and physical wellbeing through high quality music, movement and cultural activities – for all.
Yoga with Ray Duhaney
Experience inner calm in the buzzing atmosphere of Africa Oyé! Enjoy connecting with nature and yourself with a calming yet energising Yoga session led by Ray.
Holistic Harmonies and friends
Connect with songs from the African Diaspora, using music, movement and song to promote positive wellbeing for the whole family.
Movema Family Dance
Bring the whole family to a morning full of dancing and playing while we start the day with great beats and rhythms. Movema will lead a family dance workshop for all ages and take you on a trip around the African Diaspora!
Afro Dance Academy
Bringing all the Afro energy & fusion flavour! With authentic and fresh moves from this Liverpool collective of exciting young dance artists. No matter your level – come feel the rhythm, sweat, and pure joy… let’s dance together!
Whether you’re 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 via TicketQuarter at africaoye.com.