Belfast’s AVA Festival has unveiled the first artists set to perform at its 2026 edition, returning to the iconic Titanic Slipways on 29th - 30th May, 2026. Now entering its twelfth year, the Northern Irish event continues its mission of celebrating cutting-edge music, visual arts and contemporary culture, with a program reflecting the vibrant creative output of the UK and Ireland alongside global electronic innovators.

Leading the first announcement are Belfast favourites Kneecap, fresh from a run of high-profile international appearances, alongside Galway electronic powerhouse Kettama. The lineup also features the genre-defying sounds of ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, a rare live performance from Blawan, Chicago house icon Honey Dijon, and revered selectors Octo Octa b2b Eris Drew, Chloé Caillet and Derry’s Or:la. Irish underground voices deathtoricky and Huartan further highlight AVA’s commitment to homegrown talent.

Beyond the music, AVA Festival 2026 promises expanded experiential and artistic elements, continuing its evolution as a multidisciplinary cultural gathering. To mark the announcement, the festival collaborated with London-based Irish director Hugh Mulhern on a bespoke animated short inspired by the newly revealed lineup.

Weekend tickets go on pre-sale at 10:00 am on 29th January, 2026, with general release following at 10:00 am on 30th January, 2026. Founder and Creative Director Sarah McBriar says the 2026 program reflects AVA’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity, innovation and boundary-pushing artistry, with many more acts still to be announced.