African festival back on tracks.

THE 17th Africa Oy festival will go ahead this year in Liverpool despite organisers' fears it might not happen.

Following the 2008 event, which saw 20,000 attend the Sefton Park celebration, host Paul Duhaney thought spiralling overheads and lack of funding might mean the end.

Mr Duhaney said: "Last year was very difficult in terms of making money.

"But the fact so many people turned up showed me just how popular it is and, after looking at where we can cut costs, we are hoping for a successful year.

"We have made the decision to open a beer tent this year. In the past, I was wary about having one, but after talking to the council and police, we have decided to go ahead.

"Just seeing how many cans were left behind last year made me realise someone was making money from alcohol sales, so why shouldn't it be us? "We also have a lot more going on away from the main stage both for adults and children, including a climbing wall and a 499-capacity marquee.

The one thing you can never rely on is the weather." . Africa Oy will take place on June 20 and 21 at Sefton Park..

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CELEBRATION: The crowd dance at last year's Africa Oye in Sefton Park. The 2009 event will definitely go ahead, organisers have announced Picture: JASON