Liverpool is extremely lucky to be able to stage the Oyé festival every year into Sefton Park. The only festival of it's kind in the country; it is the pivotal event in defining the strong links that draw Liverpool and Africa to each other.

The Oyé festival has been bringing African music to Liverpool for thirteen years now, turning Sefton Park into a premier venue for the fierce rhythms and intoxicating chants that sum up the music and vibe of the continent's music. Not only this, but dance and performance form the fulcrum of the festival's commitment to showcasing the arts of one of the world's most culturally rich continents.

Last year witnessed crowds of approximately 25000, with venue organisers more confident of surpassing that figure this year. Numbers have traditionally doubled year by year, a trend that if repeated again could see in excess of 50000 festival goers descending on Sefton Park.

The Roll call of artists in the past has included Femi Kuti, Baaba Maal, Habib Koite, and the Morgan Family Heritage. A side attraction this year will be the addition of a wide variety of stalls offering food and crafts from around the world. Clothing, hair demonstrations and face painting are also available throughout the weekend. There's also the opportunity for everyone to experiment with the sounds of African music with a series of workshops being hosted by several African musicians. Chibuku Shake Shake, will be hosting a Lake of Stars event on the Friday night in the Magnet on Hardman St in the city centre. The Chibuku heritage with Africa is well documented and further cements the city's connections with the continent.

Last year's Africa Oyé saw extensive coverage by BBC Radio Three as part of their Africa 2005 package, and 2006 sees the reach extending further. North American cable channel The Africa Channel, with a subscription of 10 million, will be broadcasting the festival live.

In its 13-year history, Africa Oyé has played host to artists from Benin, South Africa, DR Congo, Madagascar, Guinea, Lesotho, Somalia, amongst many others. Oyé organisers say: 'Africa Oyé concentrates on portraying the continent in a positive way. There are too many stories of war, AIDS, poverty, and famine. We wish to concentrate on the incredible range of musicians and artists who hail from the continent.' Oyé has also launched its own GOOD radio station to coincide with the event.

Put simply the festival is an odyssey of cultural riches literally on the doorstep of the people of Liverpool, and provides everyone within the city the chance to learn more about the excitement that pervades Africa. For updates on the festival, featured artists and musicians, visit www.africaoye.com