KiNK, FJAAK, Kojaque, Gemma Dunleavy and more make up the Belfast festival’s most eclectic lineup to date.

AVA returns to Boucher Playing Fields 24 – 25 September 2021. Giving a platform to the best talent the island has to offer alongside some heavy hitting international slots.

Alongside its usual programme of art installations the likes of FJAAK, KiNK, Helena Hauff, Jayda G, Calibre, Carista, Optimo, Or:la, Hammer, Sunil Sharpe, Saoirse and plenty more are heading up north for a weekend of music.

Having largely featured electronic music since its inception the festival has invited a slew of forward-facing hip hop and RnB talent from across Ireland for its most eclectic lineup to date.

Belfast rapper Leo Miyagee will join Dublin’s Kojaque, Chamomile Records singer Aby Coulibaly, meanwhile, Kadi Tatham will provide live percussion. Also featuring is Gemma Dunleavy who is heading to the festival hot off the back of a Choice Prize nomination for her stellar garage-influenced Up De Flats EP.

The multi-stage open air site will have a distinctive set up merging industrial design with music, and visual electronic artists including Algorithm, Visual Spectrum and Kevin Gartland.
Beyond the dancefloor, AVA will once again deliver a full programme of art installations and music/art/culture, chill spaces, local food traders, a new cocktail bar experience plus much more.

Festival Director & Founder, Sarah McBriar said: “We are thrilled to announce our return to Belfast at the end of September after one of the most challenging years the industry and society has ever faced. We aim AVA over the coming years, and September’s event is a very special taste of what is to come. The blank canvas at Boucher Road Playing Fields offers us exciting and endless opportunities. We have been working on the new site design for some time, incorporating the elements we believe will showcase the artists in the best way and make this year’s AVA experience unique.  The breadth of local and international artists in the line-up is testament to the successes and growth of previous years. We are proud to bring AVA to one of the best crowds in the world”.

Full festival weekend passes can be bought online at £85, or day tickets at £45. Click here to purchase tickets.

Elsewhere on District: We spoke to Denise Chaila on her influences, winning the Choice Prize and developing her sound.