Bradford is set to experience a burst of Kenyan creativity and rhythm this September, as the celebrated music and arts festival Blankets & Wine makes its European debut.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 6, at Lister Park as part of the Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
The festival’s first UK edition boasts an electrifying line-up blending established names with fresh talent. Headlining the show is Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Bensoul, joined by genre-defying powerhouse Muthoni Drummer Queen and alternative music visionary Blinky Bill.
They will be joined by a vibrant mix of Kenyan and diaspora stars, including Njerae, Boutross, Coster Ojwang, Elsy Wameyo, Euggy, and Tina Ardor. The party continues with high-energy sets from DJs Remmy, Dipak Mistry (aka Mistryllaneous), and Mista ER.
“This is a joyous celebration of music and culture, bringing the vibrant and eclectic Kenyan music scene to audiences in Bradford,” said Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025. “Thanks to our partnership with the British Council, we’re creating opportunities for local and international artists to collaborate.”
The festival delivered in partnership with the British Council as part of their UK/Kenya Season 2025 will feature two stages showcasing Kenyan heritage alongside homegrown Bradford talent. The aim is to foster artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and to celebrate the city’s diversity.
Muthoni Drummer Queen, who is also the festival’s creative director, reflected on the festival’s journey: “For over 16 years, Blankets & Wine has championed live and electronic artists from Africa and its diaspora, building a community of music, culture, and lifestyle enthusiasts. We’re excited to bring the festival to Bradford, meet new audiences, and create lasting links between East Africa and the UK’s cultural scene.”
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Ruth Mackenzie, director of arts at the British Council, added: “We are proud to support Blankets & Wine UK as part of our UK/Kenya Season, which celebrates the creative energy of both nations and builds stronger, lasting connections between them.”
The festival will run from 12pm to 8pm, offering an entire day of live performances, DJ sets, and cross-cultural experiences all under the summer sky in Lister Park.
