Kenya’s most iconic music and culture festival, Blankets & Wine, is heading to the UK for the very first time. On Saturday, 6 September 2025, Bradford’s Lister Park will host the internationally renowned Pan-African festival as part of Bradford 2025’s UK City of Culture program. Even better? Entry is free.
A Festival with African Roots
Since its launch in Nairobi in 2008, Blankets & Wine has grown into one of Africa’s premier cultural festivals. Known for its signature blend of live music, DJ sets, food markets, fashion, and lifestyle experiences, the event has expanded across East Africa with editions in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Now, for the first time, the festival is stepping beyond the continent — bringing its vibrant African spirit to European audiences.
Partnership for Cultural Exchange
The Bradford edition is being presented in partnership with the British Council as part of UK/Kenya Season 2025, underscoring the event’s commitment to:
- Artistic collaboration
- Cultural exchange
- Celebrating Bradford’s diverse communities
Festivalgoers can expect a truly global experience — one that fuses African creativity with Bradford’s own rich cultural heritage.
The Lineup For Blankets & Wine
Performances will take place across two stages, showcasing both established stars and emerging talent. The lineup announced so far includes:
- Bensoul – Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist blending Afro-pop, R&B, and reggae.
- Boutross – Leading force in the Kenyan “Shrap” scene, also known for Afrobeat and dancehall collaborations with UK artists like Backroad Gee and OGD (NSG).
- Njerae – Rising Afro-indie, soul, and R&B singer-songwriter signed to Universal Music East Africa.
- Muthoni Drummer Queen (MDQ) – Festival founder and genre-bending rapper, singer, and drummer whose sound fuses hip-hop, reggae, and traditional Kenyan rhythms.
- Blinky Bill – A pioneer of Kenya’s alternative scene and former member of Just A Band, globally celebrated for his mix of African influences with hip-hop, jazz, and funk.
- Coster Ojwang – Multi-talented artist blending Luo heritage with contemporary African soundscapes.
- Elsy Wameyo – Kenyan-Australian artist blending soul, hip-hop, and alt-R&B.
- Euggy – Pioneer of Kenya’s electronic music scene and co-founder of Gondwana KE.
- Tina Ardor – High-energy Kenyan DJ, singer, and composer known for Afro-electronic hybrid sets.
- DJ Remmy – Kenyan DJ bringing amapiano, afrobeat, and dancehall to the stage.
- Dipak Mistry (Mistryllaneous) – Bradford-based selector with roots in Gujarati-Kenyan culture, known for genre-blending sets.
- Mista ER – UK-based DJ with seamless genre-fusion, from Afrobeat to house and Kenyan grooves.
Tickets & Entry
Here’s the best part: the Bradford edition of Blankets & Wine is completely free to attend.
- No ticket or advance booking is required.
- Family-friendly – under-18s are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
This makes it one of the most accessible cultural experiences of the year for locals and visitors alike.
What to Expect
Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy:
- The Onja Onja food market showcasing African and international cuisines.
- Fashion and crafts stalls highlighting African creativity.
- A family-friendly atmosphere perfect for group picnics, much like its Nairobi origins where audiences relax on blankets while enjoying live music.
A Cultural Moment Not to Miss
For Bradford, this marks a significant cultural milestone — hosting a globally respected African festival as part of its year as UK City of Culture 2025.
For Blankets & Wine, it is the start of a new chapter: bringing African artistry to global stages while staying true to its community-driven spirit.
So grab your blanket, round up your friends, and head to Lister Park, Bradford, on Saturday, 6 September 2025 for an unforgettable day of music, food, and cultural fusion.
Will you be attending the first-ever European edition of Blankets & Wine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
