Blankets & Wine has confirmed plans to transform its festival experience, introducing sweeping changes aimed at restoring fan confidence and elevating event standards after facing backlash over its last edition.
The announcement came as the revered music and lifestyle festival marked its 17th anniversary during a private celebration in Nairobi. Organizers termed the milestone as both a time of reflection and renewal toward the highly-awaited “Kenyan Summer 2025” edition, slated for December 21 at Laureate Gardens in Kasarani.
Festival Commits to a Better Experience
Organizers, acknowledging past operational challenges, outlined a set of structural and logistical reforms that will make the next edition smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for fans. Among the main changes is the hiring of an independent architectural team that will redesign the venue layout to facilitate better crowd flow, comfort, and accessibility.
“We brought in an independent architectural team last week to review the venue from a user experience perspective,” said Brand Manager Michelle Njeri.
“Their mandate is simply to redesign flow, ease crowd movement, and ensure the festival layout reflects the scale and ambition of Kenyan Summer 2025.”
This redesign, Njeri explained, highlights the organisers’ renewed commitment to quality and safety following the crowd management issues experienced in the September edition.
Learning from the Past
Reflecting on the festival’s 17-year legacy, Head of Festivals Justine Mbugua described the anniversary as an opportunity to take stock and reimagine the festival’s future.
“Our 17-year history is a story of love and learning,” she said.
“The work we do to create a space for connection and delight for our audiences comes from the heart, and while it’s often difficult, it’s necessary to develop the live music sector and circulate the economy.”
Organisers also addressed speculation surrounding the September edition, clarifying that no formal legal complaints have been received.
“We take every concern seriously. When fans raise an issue, we investigate it thoroughly, identify what went wrong, and fix it. That’s how we continue to grow with our community,” said Communications Manager Diane Ywaya.
Ywaya confirmed that the refund process for drinks and duplicate mobile payments is still ongoing, thanking fans for their patience as teams verify claims with finance and vendor partners.
Rebuilding Trust and Strengthening Systems
According to Njeri, the experience prompted an internal audit to strengthen festival operations and audience engagement moving forward.
“Our internal audit helped us refine not just systems, but also our relationship with audiences,” she said.
“We’ve listened, learned, and applied those lessons to build a better experience for everyone.”
Ywaya added that the team remains grateful for the community’s continued support and enthusiasm.
“Blankets & Wine has always been that space for you to discover, love, and share, and we are humbled by the excitement around our artist reveal and grateful for a community that continues to grow with us,” she said.
Looking Ahead to Kenyan Summer 2025
As the festival steps into its 17th year, organisers reaffirmed their dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and audience safety, promising to deliver experiences that celebrate creativity and connection across Africa.
“We’ve faced challenges and learned from them, but what remains constant is our mission to deliver safe, joyful, and culturally rich experiences for our audiences,” Mbugua said.
With the Kenyan Summer 2025 edition on the horizon, fans can expect a reimagined festival that blends art, music, and culture built on the lessons of the past and a renewed commitment to excellence.
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