Organizers of the popular Blankets & Wine music festival have announced the cancellation of the upcoming June 29 edition in Nairobi, citing growing national unrest and the threat of widespread demonstrations planned for June 25.
In a statement issued on Friday, the event’s management said the decision followed “deep consultations with security teams and partners,” who flagged the current environment as volatile and potentially dangerous for festival-goers, performers, and crew.
“While we had planned an exciting experience this June, given the size and scale of our production, we believe it is imperative to prioritize security for our community while also standing in solidarity with fellow Kenyans,” the statement read.
The organizers emphasized that concerns over potential physical harm and property damage were key factors in arriving at the decision to cancel.
“Our work is creating and holding space for joy,” they added, expressing hope for a more stable environment in the near future.
Blankets & Wine has assured ticket holders of full refunds. Single-event ticket holders for June will receive a complete refund, while season pass holders will be refunded proportionally for the missed edition. Refunds are expected to be processed within 14 working days using the original payment methods.
Despite the cancellation, organizers reaffirmed their commitment to future events.
“We remain hopeful for our country and are committed to delivering epic editions of the festival in September in Bradford and Nairobi, respectively,” the statement concluded.
The cancellation comes amid heightened national tensions, with Gen Z-led protests planned to continue next week over various governance concerns.
