Arriving ten years ago, the inaugural edition of AVA (Audio Visual Arts), was born in a Belfast warehouse. Widely recognised as a champion of forward thinking art & event programming, AVA’s Cinderella story has seen them blossom into a globally adored brand with reverence from artists and raver alike.
To mark the ten year anniversary, AVA is set to deliver its biggest edition to date, once again featuring a show-stopping billing of performers which continues to evolve with the electronic dance music scene’s ever-changing sounds. The event’s undeniable energy and atmosphere is synonymous with the Belfast ‘craic’, and we have high expectations for this year’s milestone edition.
With the event set to run from the 31st of May – 1st June, AVA will return to its spiritual home at Titanic Slipways. With eye catching landmarks in the skyline such as Harland and Wolff, Cave Hill and Belfast City as a backdrop – The location is nestled amongst the city’s iconic history.
The lineup this year is colossal, with huge acts billed. Bringing together an elite selection of friends, family and associates to make a programme that is dizzying. Bicep are an AVA mainstay, and will be performing their new experimental live show known as CHROMA A/V. Part DJ set and part live production, it’s paired alongside a spellbinding light and visual show curated by David Rudnick.
Joining them on the lineup is house kingpin Kerri Chandler who’s instantly recognisable sound is synonymous with groove and that feel-good sensation. Barry Can’t Swim will make his debut in the capital, with his signature bold and uplifting style of house which will no doubt warm hearts in Belfast.
A driving force in the recent jungle revival; Nia Archives is also set to play – known for her infectious energy both in production and DJ sets, this is one act you won’t want to miss.
For the fans of harder hitting tunes, Helena Hauff will bring industrial sonics to the Shipyard, alongside masked sensation horsegiirL. Covering all things, bass, grime and garage finds debut performances from the genres’ heavyweights Flowdan , Sammy Virji and Neffa T.
Not forgetting Belfast’s love of trance AVA has ushered in DJ Gigola, KI/KI and TraTraTrax affiliate Nick Léon.
Part of AVA’s mission has always been to shine the spotlight on Ireland’s homegrown talent and 2024 is no different with MC EMBY, Kessler, Cromby, Hammer, Holly Lester, Jordan Nocturne, Reger, Inside Moves and so many more set to perform.
Then we cannot forget the mainstay Boiler Room stage, that has allowed us at home to view and stream some of the most memorable AVA moments throughout the past years. They’ll once again feature at AVA, but the lineup is still TBA – if past years are anything to go by, you know it will be special.
‘AVA represents a lot more than electronic music, it represents a community, a movement that started in Belfast that grew globally, of open minded, creatively curious and adventurous souls uniting in a space where freedom of expression is encouraged. I’m proud of what it has become, and what it symbolises… this year will be special. See you at the docks!’
Sarah McBriar, Founder, AVA Festival
To seal your place at this year’s AVA Festival click here.
Words: Neil Ritchie
Editor: Ben Lovejoy
ratemyrave 