AVA Festival adds Central Cee, Slowthai, Eliza Rose, Overmono and more

Belfast festival AVA has released its 2023 line-up, featuring Central Cee, Slowthai, Overmono, Eliza Rose and Kettama (Boiler Room set) as headliners.

Returning to their iconic Titanic Slipways location across 2 - 3 June, AVA Festival looks forward to welcoming the most eclectic range of sounds the festival has seen to date.

Building on that ethos, names announced for the 2023 festival also include Hèctor Oaks, SPFDJ, Job Jobse, KI/KI, Kojaque, Sally C and Kojaque.

Kojaque at Longitude 2022 by Anthony Oloruntoba.

Staying true to its electronic roots but welcoming a wider array of sounds, Central Cee headlines this year's edition. The West London rapper exploded with his 23 mixtape for his unique take on UK rap/drill. He became the first ever UK artist and UK rapper to achieve 1 billion Spotify streams in one year.

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. He performed at Longitude in 2022 to a huge crowd.

Also joining the lineup is Northampton hip-hop 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 aficionado and Irish prodigy - Kojaque.

G-Town records header 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.

Eliza Rose.

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.) Also on board are rising Berlin trance due DJ Heartstring and plenty more.

There’s a stack of local legends on board to showcase the power of the current Irish movement, including Holly Lester, EMBY, Jordan and Carlton Doom. Kessler and IAMNOTYOURMATE both also rep for Irish acts, who delivered an electric performance at AVA’s NYE special. Both sets will be hi-energy highlights on the bill.

Sarah McBriar, AVA Festival Director, said: "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," McBriar added.

"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!"

There’ll be AVA adaptations expected - new indoor areas, arts spaces, bars, maximising the space in the heart of Belfast’s shipping area. The festival 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.

Tickets for the festival are available from Friday at 10am, with Weekend, Group & Deposit-scheme tickets available. Click here to secure a ticket.

We return to Titanic Slipways on 2nd - 3rd June for #AVA2023

Tickets go on-sale to our pre-sale list on Thursday with general on-sale at 10AM Friday

Sign-up here 👇https://t.co/Oag8Dx9rHn

We can't wait to welcome you and kick off your summer in notorious Belfast style. pic.twitter.com/ERb8vXs4Z2

— AVA Festival (@AVAFestivalNI) January 25, 2023