AVA Belfast has unveiled a massive first wave of artists for its 2026 edition, confirming its return to the iconic Titanic Slipways on 29th and 30th May. The festival, now in its 12th year, will be headlined by Belfast rap trio Kneecap and Irish dancefloor heavyweight Kettama, alongside major international names including Annie Mac and Honey Dijon.
This year’s programme emphasizes a forward-thinking approach to electronic music, blending heavyweight global acts with a strong core of homegrown talent. Leading the charge is Kneecap, whose incendiary live shows and Irish-language lyricism have made them a global phenomenon. They are joined at the top of the bill by Kettama, following a breakout year in global club culture, and Japanese underground innovator ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, who was recently crowned DJ of the Year 2025 by Resident Advisor.
Pre-sale weekend tickets for AVA Belfast 2026 will go on sale via Resident Advisor at 10:00 am this Thursday, 29th January. General release tickets will follow the next day at 10:00 am on Friday, 30th January. The festival has confirmed a range of ticketing options to ensure accessibility, including discounted group bundles and deposit schemes that allow fans to secure their place with a small upfront payment.
The 2026 line-up features several significant debuts for the festival. Interplanetary Criminal will bring his bass-driven UK club energy to Belfast, while Octo Octa and Eris Drew are set to perform a highly anticipated back-to-back set. Other debut performances include a raw industrial techno live set from Blawan and an appearance by Japanese multi-instrumentalist Takuya Nakamura.
Consistent with AVA’s ethos, the roster is heavily populated by Irish and Northern Irish talent. 75% of the line-up is built around artists from the UK and Ireland. Local heroes Calibre, Cromby, Or:la, and Holly Lester are all confirmed to perform, alongside experimental West Belfast collective Huartan. Broadcaster and DJ Annie Mac also returns, continuing her legacy of championing cutting-edge electronic music.
Emmett Costello, Senior Curator at AVA Festival, commented on the announcement: “We’re delighted to announce our first 50 Acts for AVA Belfast 2026. 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.”
To mark the launch of the 2026 campaign, AVA has collaborated with London-based Irish director Hugh Mulhern on a bespoke animated short film. The film captures the humour and creative spirit of Belfast, serving as a celebration of the city that has shaped the festival over the last twelve years.
Founder and Creative Director Sarah McBriar added: “For over a decade, AVA has been a safe and inclusive space where new ideas take form and emerging voices find their moment — from landmark live performances on home ground to artists stepping into global recognition. That spirit remains at the core of this year’s programme: a forward-looking, boundary-pushing gathering rooted in music and culture.”
AVA Belfast 2026 line-up so far:
- KNEECAP
- KETTAMA
- ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U
- Annie Mac
- Honey Dijon
- Blawan (Live)
- Octo Octa b2b Eris Drew
- Interplanetary Criminal
- Cromby
- Cormac
- Or:la
- Chloé Caillet
- Calibre
- Holly Lester
- Takuya Nakamura
- Evian Christ
- DJ Gigola
- Pegassi
- Partiboi69
- Surusinghe
- 1tbsp
- riria
- Angel D’Lite
- deathtoricky
- Huartan
- Sam Girling
- Aika Mal
- Oblig b2b Hannah
- Body Clinic
- Puzzy Wrangler
- Sophie
- Chris Flannigan
- CIAN
- Matcha
- Twitch
- Plain Sailing
- Cartin
- Lorcan Kelly
- Princess Glitoris
Image credits:
The Hype Factory
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