AFRICA Oye, the annual free music festival in Sefton Park, has been cancelled owing to bad weather.
The sodden and waterlogged land in the park has made conditions too hazardous for a stage to be erected, according to organisers, and vehicles having difficulty in the mud, have made the ground unfit for revellers.
However organisers say there will be an event away from the park, but nobody knows quite where yet. We will endeavour to update this story as and when we get the information.
Brinsley Ford was set to headline the two-day happening, which has established itself as Britain's biggest free festival of African music.
A statement reads: "We are very sad to have to announce that due to heavy rain over the last few nights causing several Health and Safety issues in the set up of the festival site as well as the potential accidents that could happen over the weekend because of the weather, Africa Oye has been forced to cancel this weekend's festival in Sefton Park.
"The stage crew have been unable to put the stage up in the current conditions and the vehicles that have already driven onto the field have left much of the area unfit for the festival.
"We are very sorry at having to let you know at this late stage but we hope you understand that it is out of the organisers' hands and no decision could be made until this afternoon and the early signs were promising. Unfortunately, more heavy rain this morning has tipped the scales out of Oye's favour. This decision was not taken lightly.
"However... There WILL be an event happening this weekend away from the park - Africa Oye is working on a contingency plan and we will bring you news as soon as it's been confirmed. Keep your eyes peeled to the social networks - Facebook.com/africaoye and twitter - @africaoye. Thank you for understanding and watch this space."
Update: The Africa Oye Block Party at The Picket and the Camp and Furnace and all the spaces in between from 5pm til 11pm
Saturday 23rd June ALL UNDERCOVER .. ALL FREE....
Followed by a TICKETED after party - EAT YOUR GREENS presents THE DUB PISTOLS from 11.00pm - 3am at the Picket,
