Batala Mersey brings energy, fun and the spirit of Afro Brazil to events including festivals, carnivals, corporate occasions, sporting events and more! If you are interested in booking us, please email with as many details as possible to (events@batalamersey.com ) or complete the contact form below. Please note : we unfortunately do not perform for private events or weddings. Here are a few well known events we have drummed for... British Musical Fireworks Championships // Africa Oyé // Dubbed Out Festival // National Diversity Awards / // Liverpool Waves // Afro Cultural Festival // Southport Flowershow and many more. Get in touch First name* Last name Email* Phone Write a message Submit

READ ALL ABOUT US Inclusive, Diverse and Community Focussed Batala Mersey is a dynamic community samba reggae drumming band rooted in Afro-Brazilian musical traditions. Established in 2015, Batala Mersey now boasts over 65 musicians. Through our celebration of rhythm we promote cultural diversity, empowering individuals to express themselves through the joy of our music. We inspire audiences across the Liverpool City region with our vibrant performances, uniting our local communities. This collective energy fosters creativity, cultural exchange and advocates inclusivity, racial equality and social justice. We are a Community Interest Company Proud of our Brazilian roots and community focus, we became a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2020. This enables us to operate on a not for profit basis with our funds going directly to costumes and drums (produced in Salvador, Brazil), kit and rehearsal spaces. We adhere to the ethos of the wider Batala movement which is based on inclusion, equality and joining together to make music and enrich members’ lives and communities. We feature at some of the regions biggest and brightest events including Liverpool Waves, Afro Cultural Festival, Africa Oye, Dubbed Out Festival, British Musical Fireworks Championships and Southport Flower Show. Nationally we join our sister bands for Notting Hill Carnival, St Paul's Carnival and Edinburgh Fringe amongst others. Our members also have the opportunity to drum all over the world and regularly play with our 46 worldwide sister groups including in our spiritual home of Salvador, Brazil where we join one of the oldest carnivals in the world to celebrate our Afro Brazilian roots.

British Musical Fireworks 2026 Is a pyro- musical competition, where fireworks are choreographed perfectly to music Southport Flower Show 2026 UK’s largest independent flower show Afro Cultural Festival 2026 Is a celebration of African and Afro-diasporic heritage through music, dance, fashion, food, and art Mandela Day 2026 To honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Dubbed Out 2026 A Family festival celebrating van life and Volkswagens Chico Brazil 2026 Smithdown Community Event 2026 A free festival gives both local up and coming acts and more established acts a great opportunity to perform to full crowds DOD Southport 2025 Granby Market 2025 Show More Play Video Play Video 01:43 Drone vides Batala Creta 10 anos Drone vides Batala Creta 10 anos by Spyros Lianakis Play Video Play Video 00:16 British Musical Fireworks 2026 Play Video Play Video 00:54 Africa Oyê 2026 Play Video Play Video 00:47 World Boxing Championship Final Sep 25 M & S Arena Liverpool 2025 Play Video Play Video 07:07 Mad Dog 2026 Play Video Play Video 04:40 Xmas 25 Dec Charity Gig for Suicide Prevention Play Video Play Video 00:28 Pride in Portsmouth June 25 Several Batala Mersey band joint Portsmouth band at Pride on June 25 Play Video Play Video 02:54 Mersey Maritime awards Oct 24 Liverpool Anglican Cathedral ‘Mundo (Global) Events’ Mundo Event in Debrecen Mundo Event in Innsbruck

"One Love, One Drum" "One Love, One Drum" "One Love, One Drum" About us WE ARE A SAMBA REGGAE // CARNIVAL DRUMMING BAND // BASED IN LIVERPOOL Batala is an international samba reggae music project originating from Salvador de Bahia in northeastern Brazil. Founded in Paris in 1997 by Giba Gonçalves, pictured on the right is a notable Brazilian percussionist. Today, Batala celebrates over 46 groups in 17 countries and a worldwide membership of over 1,500 percussionists. Batala offers band members across the world an educational drumming and music program based on the samba-reggae compositions of Giba Gonçalves. Our music originates in the Bahia region of North Eastern Brazil. It is inspired by the history of the region, the Gods (Orishas) and the Afro Brazilian people for whom Bahia is home. Learn more Our Next Event Unity March Against Racism Start time 12pm - Sat 14 Nov 2026 St George's Hall, Saint George's Place, Liverpool Forthcoming Events Live Performances Experience the electrifying energy of Batala Mersey live in action. Our performances are a fusion of infectious beats, mesmerizing choreography, and a contagious carnival spirit that will leave you wanting more. Gallery Thinking about joining the band If you have ever dreamed of playing an instrument, having fun, making friends, performing at festivals and events, giving back to the community and need an excuse to dress in all manner of costumes, then you belong at Batala Mersey. We would love you to join us, whether you are an experienced drummer or a complete novice, we want to hear from you, EVERYONE (18+) is welcome. “We are not recruiting new players at the moment. Future open day details will be posted here and on our social media channels, so please check back regularly!” Interested in booking us Experience the infectious rhythms and infectious energy of Batala Mersey. Book us for your next event and let the magic of Samba Reggae elevate the atmosphere, creating a celebration that will be remembered by all. At Batala Mersey, we believe in giving back to the community, where we use the power of music to inspire, uplift, and foster a sense of unity among people from all walks of life. Book Us A Rhythmic Revolution Batala Mundo takes a revolutionary approach to spreading the joy of Samba Reggae. With our innovative methods and unwavering passion, we aim to ignite the spirit of rhythm in every heart and create a rhythmic revolution that resonates across the world. Our Bands around the World We are a band that celebrates and welcomes people from all genders, neurotypes, races, sexual orientations and backgrounds. We want to make everyone feel safe, seen and free to be who they are.

EXPERIENCE THE RHYTHM WITH BATATA MERSEY - AFRO BRAZILIAN - SAMBA REGGAE BAND Join Us for a Samba Celebration We bring the vibrant beats of Samba Reggae to the streets of the UK and around the World It’s easy. Just click “Join Now” to become a part of our community and immerse yourself in the joy of music. Want to be part of our rhythm? Send us your details Join Now

Forthcoming Events for 2026 Unity March Against Racism Start time 12pm - Sat 14 Nov 2026 St George's Hall, Saint George's Place, Liverpool Northwich Christmas Parade Start time 5pm - 21st Nov 2026 22 London Road Northwich Cheshire CW9 5HD Frodsham Christmas Festival Start time 6pm - 28th Nov 2026 Church Street, Main Street & Brio Leisure Centre

BLOG What We Offer Joining Batala Mersey Samba Reggae Band means being part of a community that celebrates diversity, creativity, and joy through music. As a member of our band, you will have the opportunity to perform at exciting events, collaborate with passionate musicians, and spread the vibrant rhythms of samba reggae. Whether you are an experienced percussionist or new to samba reggae, there is a place for you in our band. We welcome individuals who are committed to honing their musical skills, embracing teamwork, and adding their unique flair to our performances. Who We're Looking For We are seeking individuals who are dedicated, enthusiastic, and eager to share the dynamic spirit of samba reggae with diverse audiences. If you are a percussionist, drummer, or musician with a passion for performance and a love for lively rhythms, we encourage you to apply and become part of our musical family. While prior experience in samba reggae is a plus, it is not a requirement. What matters most is your enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of sounds that define Batala Mersey Samba Reggae Band. Apply

Open Day Application First name* Last name* Email* Phone Any comments Submit