Africa Oyé is cancelled after heavy rain causes unsafe conditions on Sefton Park.
The 20th anniversary of Africa Oyé has been sadly disrupted due to torrential rain resulting in the festival to be cancelled.
Organisers have been working hard for several months in preparation fo one of Merseyside’s music gems, however, the severe rain over the last week has resulted in it’s cancellation.
Another event will hopefully be organised however, a statement issued by organisers this afternoon made for grim reading.
The statement by 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.
‘However… 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 – Facebook.com/africaoye and twitter – @africaoye. Thank you for understanding and watch this space.‘
In other rather rubbish rain-ruining news, Sunday’s planned Croxteth Park music festival has also been cancelled due to the wet weather. It has been hastily rearranged for Sunday August 5.
