Blankets & Wine festival has announced its 16th anniversary, marked by the first-ever international show in Bradford City, UK.
For 16 years, Blankets & Wine has been the leading platform for African music, culture, and lifestyle, showcasing both emerging and established artists from across the continent.
Known for its dynamic programming across two stages, curated food, fashion and crafts market, artistic installations, branded experiences, and overall high standard of production, the festival has become a beloved quarterly Sunday ritual, fostering discovery and community.
In a landmark moment, Blankets & Wine is expanding its reach and bringing the magic of African music to the UK. The festival will host its first-ever show in Bradford City, UK, on September 6, 2025, at Lister Park, marking a significant milestone in its 16-year journey in partnership with the British Council for the UK/Kenya Season 2025.
“This is a dream come true,” Blankets & Wine founder Muthoni Ndong’a said. “Since 2008, we’ve been passionate about showcasing the incredible talent of African musicians, building a real community of fans, vendors, and sponsors, and scaling opportunities across the live music value chain.
“Taking Blankets & Wine to the UK is the next step in exporting our music and culture, and is a testament to the power of Blankets in transcending borders and connecting people from all walks of life.”
The Bradford City show will feature a curated lineup of African artists, bringing the authentic Blankets & Wine experience to the UK. Artist announcements will be made towards the end of June 2025. This historic event will not only celebrate African music but also foster cultural exchange and collaboration.
Additional information and details about Blankets & Wine in Bradford City, UK, will be announced on the official website and social media platforms.
Founded in Nairobi in 2008, Blankets & Wine is one of Africa’s leading music and culture festivals, known for spotlighting African talent and creating joyful, connected cultural spaces.
With editions in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, the festival now makes its debut in the UK in collaboration with the Bradford 2025 team, to celebrate its 16th year.
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (Bradford 2025) runs from January 2025 to December 2025 and is a celebration of Bradford city and district, taking place across its city, towns, villages, and greenspaces.
It will showcase the rich history of the area and spotlight its dynamic contemporary culture in all forms: dance and theatre, music and film, visual arts and crafts, food, and sport.
