Recapping this year's AVA Festival

Finishing up its ninth year running, this past AVA Festival (the Audio Visual Arts Festival) in Northern Ireland played host to a plethora of artists and over ten thousand eager, music-loving fans. Hosted at Titanic Slipways in partnership with Output Belfast, it was more than a success - it was an experience few will forget.

With that in mind, AVA Founder Sarah McBriar joyously exclaimed "That's a wrap!" before delving into a few closing remarks about the festival.

"AVA Festival Belfast, 2023, shone brightly under the sunshine and sunsets across our site at the Titanic Slipways. We played host across the weekend to 10,000 attendees, 70+ artists, and media, along with the BBC & Boiler Room broadcasting two of our stages. I want to thank all of the staff, artists, volunteers, partners, sponsors, suppliers, community and those who danced with us this year. The atmosphere was electric, with many artist debuts and guests, making it a special year.'

While AVA's mainstage saw the likes of Central Cee and Peggy Gou perform at the festival for the first Friday, both delivering killer sets, DJ EZ and Goldie grace the same stage Saturday. It was another perfect night, especially when AVA festival professionals Sally C and Or:la, two artists who have long since had a special history with the festival since it's beginnings nine years ago, make their return to finish off the night.

The rest of AVA's stages at Titanic Slipways saw no less action. The Boiler Room was lucky enough to see Eliza Rose, Interplanetary Criminal, DJ Heartstring, Kettama, and Marion Hawkes of Ponyhawke.

Pump House, hoseted by EMBY and SPFDJ among others, saw Overmono and For Those I Love, Hector Oakes, Swoose, Kessler perform, while the Grasses Stage showcased Northern Irish talent, like Jordan Nocturne, Holly Lester, Inside Moves and more in collaboration with BBC Northern Ireland.

Representing BBC Radio Ulster, Rory McConnell added that they were "delighted to be able to bring an exclusive four hour live broadcast from AVA festival last weekend."

"Electronic music has always been about pushing boundaries, and having a world-class event showcasing global superstars alongside emerging local talent on our doorstep is something for us all to be excited about. It has been great working with the AVA team.

BBC's coverage of the event is available across the UK and on the BBC Sounds app.

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