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The iconic African music festival, Blankets and Wine, is making its highly anticipated UK debut. This exciting event is set to take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Lister Park in Bradford. It promises to be a vibrant celebration of Kenyan music, food, and culture.
This inaugural UK edition is a major cultural partnership. It is part of the British Council’s UK/Kenya Season 2025 and Bradford’s tenure as the UK City of Culture 2025. Best of all, thanks to this special collaboration, admission to the entire festival is completely free.
Details and How to Attend Blankets and Wine UK Debut
The Blankets & Wine Bradford festival will run from 12 pm to 8 pm at The Beacon in Lister Park. The event is family-friendly, though all under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please note that this is an unreserved standing event.
Important Ticketing Information: The event is officially sold out. However, there will be a final release of any returned tickets on Friday, September 5, 2025, before 6pm. The official organizers have stated there is no waiting list. Therefore, potential attendees should monitor the official Bradford 2025 website for any last-minute availability.
The Stellar Musical Lineup at Blankets and Wine UK Debut
Blankets and Wine is famous for showcasing top-tier African talent. The Bradford edition delivers an incredible mix of Kenyan stars and local Bradford artists. The lineup is packed with Grammy winners, chart-toppers, and innovative producers.
Headliners include the Grammy Award-winning songwriter Bensoul, known for his smooth blend of Afro-pop and R&B. They are joined by the rap force Boutross and Universal Music-signed artist Njerae. The talented roster also features Elsy Wamweya, Euggy, Tina Ardor, Blinky Bill, Coster Ojwang, and the award-winning Muthoni Drummer Queen.
Furthermore, the festival will spotlight homegrown Bradford talent. This includes DJ Remmy & Lagos Lounge All Stars bringing Afrobeat and Amapiano heat. Also performing are Dipak (Mistryllaneus) with his eclectic fusion sounds and the genre-defying DJ Mista ER.
A Full Cultural Experiencee: More Than Just Music
Blankets and Wine offers a complete cultural journey. Attendees can expect much more than just incredible live performances. The festival is designed to engage all the senses and create a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
A key highlight is the curated ”Onja Onja” food market. This market will feature authentic African flavors, allowing visitors to taste a variety of traditional and modern dishes. Additionally, there will be artisan craft stalls showcasing beautiful handmade goods. This combination of music, food, and art creates a truly immersive and memorable day out for everyone.
The Mission Behind the Festival
Blankets and Wine was founded in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2008. Its core mission is to celebrate and spotlight African creativity on a global platform. The festival is known for its laid-back, picnic-style vibe where revelers enjoy music with family and friends.
This UK debut is a significant step in that mission. The partnership with the British Council aims to strengthen cultural connections between the UK and Kenya. By bringing this event to Bradford, the organizers are creating a joyful, connected space that celebrates shared creativity and innovation.
What is Blankets and Wine?
For those new to the brand, Blankets and Wine is Africa’s premier music and culture festival. The experience is based on 8 to 12 musical acts performing different styles of urban African music. As the name suggests, people often bring picnic blankets, relax, and enjoy drinks while watching the performances.
The festival has expanded successfully beyond Kenya with editions in Uganda and Rwanda. Its arrival in the UK marks a exciting new chapter. It demonstrates the growing global influence and appeal of African music and cultural expressions.
