A Vibrant Opening Day at AVA Festival in Belfast

As summer approaches its zenith, the city of Belfast welcomes the annual AVA Festival, now in its twelfth year—a beloved tradition that seamlessly weaves dance music into the fabric of the city. Once a humble gathering, the festival has flourished into a prominent showcase for local talent, while also securing appearances by major international names.

A Perfect Setting on the Titanic Slipways

Over the years, AVA’s location has transitioned—from open fields to repurposed warehouses—but the Titanic Slipways has emerged as its optimal home. With breathtaking views of mountains, shipyards, and the serene Belfast Lough, the site enhances both the audio and visual experience. The juxtaposition of natural and industrial beauty creates a truly unique ambiance for festival-goers.

Sunshine and Community Spirit

On Friday, the festival kicked off under unusually sunny skies, a delightful rarity for Belfast. The organizers had meticulously planned the layout, dividing the festival into five distinct stages. This thoughtful design facilitated ease of movement from one stage to another, with minimal crowding and virtually no overlapping sounds—a feature that many festival attendees deeply appreciated.

Starting with Joy: Puzzy Wrangler

The festivities began at the Resident Advisor Dock Stage, curated by Irish radio DJ Tara Kumar, with an energetic performance from electronic duo Puzzy Wrangler. Their vibrant set radiated happiness and set the perfect tone for the day. Moving away from the Dock might feel challenging due to its picturesque setting; however, the rhythm of the festival beckoned attendees to explore further.

The Thrills of the Pumphouse

Heading to the Pumphouse, a local favorite, Body Clinic had the rafters vibrating with an electrifying set. His performance was soon complemented by Sam Girling, who expertly blended hard-hitting house beats with funky soul cuts, further energizing the crowd.

Returning to the Dock: Swoose Takes the Stage

We couldn’t resist returning to the Dock stage for Swoose. A festival regular, his sets are always characterized by high energy and enthusiasm, partly thanks to his ability to draw local celebrities such as beloved TV personality Julian Simmons to the event.

Night Falls and the Slipways Beckons

As the day transitioned into evening, Partiboi69 graced the Slipways stage. His euphoric brand of electronic dance music resonated with the swelling crowd, marking an exciting lead-up to the evening festivities. Following him was ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, the Japanese DJ known for his dynamic performances. His mastery of mixing genres—from hyperpop to rock—kept the audience engaged and dancing.

A Headlining Performance by Kettama

Kettama took over the Slipways stage next with a headline set that combined high-octane techno with an impressive pyrotechnics display. Though we found ourselves leaving halfway through to catch Honey Dijon at the Dock Stage, his performance undoubtedly left an indelible mark on those in attendance.

Honey Dijon’s Sunset Serenade

As the sun began to set over the docks, Honey Dijon commanded the Dock Stage with a set that offered a captivating journey through the history of funk, dance, and rock music. The evening light painted a mesmerizing backdrop, amplifying the celebratory atmosphere.

Notable Moments from Day 2

While Hot Press was not present for Day 2, the day reported historic performances, notably by Huartan, an Irish tradtronic band, and Kneecap, a rap trio. Both groups made history as the first Irish language acts to perform on the main stage at AVA, further enriching the festival’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of talent.

A Festival of Growth and Community

Over a decade, AVA has evolved from grassroots beginnings into a vital player on both the local and international festival circuits. Its influence on Belfast’s dance music scene is profound, and the festival stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. The joy, community spirit, and unyielding passion for music make it clear why AVA is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of the all-encompassing dance culture that thrives in Belfast.