KNEECAP, KETTAMA and more announced for AVA Belfast 2026

The first line-up announcement for AVA Belfast 2026 has been released, featuring KNEECAP, KETTAMA, Honey Dijon, and more.

“We’re delighted to announce our first 50 Acts for AVA Belfast 2026," said Emmett Costello, the senior Curator of the AVA Festival.

"With 75% of the lineup built around artists from Ireland and the UK, we are really proud to continue to be supporting and platforming local talent, as well as bringing in 12 debut performances to Belfast"

The 12th edition of the festival will be taking place on May 29 and 30 at the Titanic Slipways, Belfast.

You can sign up for the weekend's pre-sale tickets here. Pre-sale tickets go on sale via Resort Advisor at 10 am on January 29, with the release of general tickets following at 10 am on Friday, January 30.

To mark the announcemet AVA has collaborated with London-based Irish director Hugh Mulhern on an animated short film, which is said to draw inspiration from this year's line-up, the AVA community and the road to AVA 2026.

Described as a celebration of Belfast, shaped by AVA, the short film is said to capture the pulse of the city, its humour and creative spirit.

Look at the first line-up announcement below:

 

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