AVA Festival Line Up Announced

One of the world’s leading global music events, AVA Festival (Audio Visual Arts) has built a reputation for welcoming a diverse array of global acts to its Northern Ireland home, plus providing a platform for local talent north and south of the border.

Building on that ethos, AVA announce the names for their 2023 edition, including Central Cee, Slowthai, Kettama, Overmono, Eliza Rose, Hèctor Oaks, SPFDJ, Job Jobse, KI/KI, Kojaque, Sally C and more. Returning to their iconic Titanic Slipways location across 2nd – 3rd June, AVA looks forward to welcoming the most eclectic range of sounds the festival has seen to date. 

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AVA Belfast’s programme has evolved – staying true to its electronic roots but welcomes a wider array of sounds to reflect the tastes of its attendees. For 2023, Central Cee headlines – the West London rapper who has exploded for his unique take on UK rap / drill, aesthetic and continuously solid output. The first ever UK artist to achieve 1 billion Spotify streams in one year, the first UK rapper to achieve such a feat, Central Cee is one of the most vital artists to break through in recent years – and his performance at AVA will be one of a select few UK & Ireland summer shows. Also joining is esteemed artist Slowthai; whose intellectual, cheeky output influenced by rap, grime, punk, plus unforgettable performances have gained him a reputation as a solid talent. Representing the Irish squad is Soft Boy Records boss and Irish prodigy – Kojaque.

G-Town records boss and party starter Kettama joins the infamous AVA Boiler Room stage for an unmissable performance, plus AVA solid faves Overmono return for a live main stage show consisting of a euphoric blend of rave, trance, and breaks – following a highlight set at the festival in 2022. On top of that, there’s esteemed selectors and producers Job Jobse, KIKI, SPFDJ, I.JORDAN and many more.

An AVA first timer is Eliza Rose, the artist behind the UK “people’s anthem” and Number One record B.O.T.A. Eliza will be joined on the line-up by her production partner Interplanetary Criminal, bringing good-time vibes, garage and more. Hector Oaks will also make an appearance, the revered party selector and resident at some of the world’s most loved parties Bassiani (Tbilisi), and Herrensauna (Berlin.) The final two names in this teaser selection are rising Berlin trance due DJ Heartstring and plenty more.

As always, there’s a stack of local legends on board to showcase the health of the current Irish movement including Holly Lester, EMBY, Jordan, Carlton Doom and plenty more. Kessler and IAMNOTYOURMATE both also rep for Irish acts, and after their electric performance at AVA’s NYE special, both sets will be hi-energy highlights on the bill.

AVA found its perfect home at the industrialist Titanic Slipways, and the team are excited to head back after a success. There’ll be adaptations – new indoor areas, arts spaces, bars, maximising the space in the heart of Belfast’s shipping area. For visitors, AVA is an opportunity to experience the Belfast craic in a way like no other – with the locals, in an incredible space, with the extended AVA family. Flights arrive into Belfast from most major cities and there’s plenty of hotel options.

AVA has grown into an essential event for culture in Ireland – pioneering the first large-scale multi-stage event to represent a modern Belfast, promoting the growing community in Northern Ireland and beyond. AVA support local artists with a platform along with some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, and also opportunities for work, education and networking. AVA has created an inclusive, vibrant, and celebrated space for talent to be nurtured from their DJ competitions to work programmes. We look forward to another year with AVA at the centre of Ireland’s thriving music movement.‘At AVA, we are committed to evolving as both a festival and a cultural movement, with a mantra to never stand still. 2023 marks a moment where AVA is evolving as music and cultural tastes change. It moves with the moment whilst staying true to its origins in electronic music. It’s where multiple artforms converge to create memorable moments for music fans and electronic arts enthusiasts. Our commitment to design, festival experience, high production levels and amplifying local talent is as strong as ever, and we can’t wait to bring you our next AVA Belfast edition this June!’ – Sarah McBriar, AVA Festival Director