Daily news bulletin: Africa Oye festival returns to Sefton Park after hiatus

Following a two-year hiatus brought on by the pandemic, Africa Oyé have announced the return of their iconic festival to Liverpool’s Sefton Park this summer - in what will be their 30th anniversary year.

One of the region’s most beautiful green spaces will once again be filled with the music and culture of Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora, for two free days of live music, DJs and dance, as well as workshops, food stalls and a range of traders in the Oyé Village.

Beginning in 1992, Oyé attracts artists and attendees from across the globe.

Paul Duhaney, artistic director of Africa Oyé, said: “We want to make 2022 a really special year for Africa Oyé.

“Not only are we returning after two years without a festival, the year also marks our 30th anniversary and we have a programme of multi-arts events under the ‘Oyé 30’ banner; working with organisations and partners that we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with these past three decades.”

Green Homes Grant could cut your energy bills

Liverpool City Council has been awarded government funding to install energy saving measures in homes that meet the criteria and would benefit from the scheme.

Eligible residents will have a free property survey – which is bespoke and provides recommendations on the types of improvements that can be made to make the property more energy efficient.

These improvements could save on fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.

Examples of energy efficient measures that could be made, include cavity wall and loft Insulation, underfloor heating, energy efficient doors or the replacement of single-glazed windows.

All measures are subject to eligibility and the survey.

To qualify for these improvements, homeowners must have a combined household income of less than £30,000 and the property must have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F, or G.

Byrne Avenue Baths expands offering with alcohol license

The iconic Byrne Avenue Baths in Wirral, which has been rescued and reopened to the public 12 years after closure, is planning to run film clubs, a food fair and more.

There are now big plans for its future, with the trust applying for an alcohol licence to run events at the Art Deco-style site.