Offie Mag

Few festivals understand electronic music culture quite like AVA Belfast. Since launching in 2015, the Belfast born Audio Visual Arts festival has grown from an ambitious idea into one of the most respected names in club culture, blending electronic music, visual art, installations and conversation across a weekend that feels bigger than just a lineup.

This year’s edition looks set to continue that run.

AVA Belfast has built a reputation for bringing together some of the most exciting names in electronic music alongside the artists shaping where things go next. Previous editions have welcomed everyone from Bicep, Jon Hopkins and Honey Dijon to Hunee, Laurent Garnier, Larry Heard and Kojaque. It’s the kind of festival where underground legends, big selectors and local talent can all exist on the same bill without feeling forced together.

Beyond the music, AVA’s conference programming has also become a major part of its identity. What started in Belfast has expanded internationally through showcases in London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Mumbai and Dublin, while AVA London has developed into one of electronic music’s leading conferences.

Still, Belfast remains the heart of it all.

There’s something about an Irish festival crowd that can turn a great set into a genuinely unforgettable one and AVA has spent the last decade building the perfect environment for those moments to happen. Open air stages, warehouse energy, immersive visuals and one of the strongest communities in electronic music all packed into the same weekend.

There’s a lot to be excited about with huge names such as Kneecap and Interplanetary Criminal appearing at the top of this year’s lineup. But it’s never just about the headliners. There are a few artists we think you shouldn’t miss.

deathtoricky, an Irish underground rapper, is starting to emerge as a leader in his country’s scene. The production follows suit with his American and British counterparts, autotuned vocals floating over beats that couldn’t have even been imagined a decade ago. This is what the present sounds like and it’s only going to get bigger.

I interviewed riria last year to discuss musical identity, influences and why representation matters for East and South East Asians in music. She spoke about feeling connected to UK bass music and her sets definitely reflect that. As one of multiple Asian artists appearing on the lineup, things are clearly moving in the right direction.

Honey Dijon needs no introduction. One of Chicago’s very best — and that really is saying something — she pulls from the city’s rich dance music history while continuing to push things forward with an approach that has influenced both music and fashion alike.

Summer is just about to start and there are few better ways to kick it off than a weekend at AVA Belfast.

Tickets available here.

Words by Louis Rowland.