Kenya’s much-loved Pan-African music festival, Blankets & Wine, is turning sweet sixteen — and to celebrate, it’s going global!
For the very first time, the festival will take its signature blend of African music, culture, and lifestyle to the UK, with a landmark show set for September 6th, 2025 at Lister Park in Bradford City.
Since its humble beginnings in 2008, Blankets & Wine has grown into a cultural phenomenon, offering a vibrant platform for both emerging and established African artists.
Notably, the festival is known for its rich, dynamic programming across two lively stages, a curated market of food, fashion, and crafts, immersive art installations, and top-tier production values.
It has also become a staple Sunday ritual for thousands of music lovers across East Africa.
Now, in a historic partnership with the British Council for the UK/Kenya Season 2025, the festival is making its international debut — bringing the magic, rhythm, and soul of African music to new audiences in the UK.
Festival founder Muthoni Ndong’a aka Muthoni the Drummer Queen couldn’t be prouder.
“This is a dream realized. Since day one, we’ve been driven by the passion to spotlight African talent, nurture a genuine community of music fans, creators, and partners, and build opportunities across the live music industry. Taking Blankets & Wine to the UK isn’t just a milestone — it’s proof that music knows no borders and can unite people from all walks of life,” she shared.
The Bradford show promises an authentic Blankets & Wine experience, featuring a handpicked lineup of African artists ready to light up the stage and leave a lasting mark on the UK festival scene.
Beyond the music, the event will serve as a cultural bridge, promoting rich exchanges and creative collaborations between the two nations.
The full artist lineup is set to be revealed at the end of June 2025 — so music lovers, mark your calendars.
On their website, Blankets & Wine refers to themselves as an international music festival staging emerging and established African artists.
Founded in 2008 in Nairobi, the festival has since grown into a space where African culture is celebrated through art, human connections, and lifestyle in Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda.
