Bradford will host a major Kenyan music and arts event next month as the popular festival Blankets & Wine stages its first-ever European edition.
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, at Lister Park as part of the Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
The UK edition will be headlined by celebrated Grammy Award-winning Kenyan singer Bensoul, alongside renowned performers Muthoni Drummer Queen and Blinky Bill. Other Kenyan and diaspora artists expected to perform include Njerae, Boutross, Coster Ojwang, Elsy Wameyo, Euggy and Tina Ardor. DJs Remmy, Dipak Mistry (Mistryllaneous) and Mista ER will also perform energetic sets to entertain the crowds.
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director for Bradford 2025, said the festival is a joyful celebration that will introduce local audiences to the vibrancy of Kenyan music and art. “Thanks to our partnership with the British Council, we’re creating opportunities for both local and international artists to collaborate,” she said.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the British Council under the UK/Kenya Season 2025 initiative, designed to promote cultural exchange between the two countries. Two stages at the park will host performances highlighting Kenyan culture as well as local Bradford talent.
Festival co-founder and artist Muthoni Drummer Queen noted that Blankets & Wine has, for over 16 years, provided a platform for African artists. She said bringing the festival to the UK will help connect East African creativity with global audiences. “We’re excited to meet new audiences in Bradford and create lasting links between East Africa and the UK cultural scene,” she said.
British Council Arts Director Ruth Mackenzie said the Council is proud to support the event as it strengthens cultural ties between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
The festival will run from 12pm to 8pm and promises a full day of live music, DJ performances and cultural activities for families and art lovers.
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