Staff WriterYet again, AVA Festival has delivered one of the highlight events of the year. It had everything, from a conference with Jeff Mills (and Four/Four Magazine!), to a jam-packed Boiler Room stage, we were spoilt for choice on every front. There has been nothing but positive feedback from everyone who was present at the festival and it’s scary to think how big the 2018 edition will be! On the back of the amazing weekend, we take a look at the afterthoughts of a few artists who appeared this year including festival founder, Sarah McBriar.
Sarah McBriar (AVA Festival and Conference founder)
“I am blown away by this year. From the artists, the team, the sound, the music, the venue, the vibe and the atmosphere. The energy was real and you could feel it the second you walked in. There were moments I walked around and I truly felt overwhelmed with happiness – to see such amazing talent, and the crowd really loving it. It was a big jump for us to move to two days – and we are ecstatic that we did it – roll on 2018!”
Photo credit: Grant Jones
BICEP
“Absolutely one of our highlights of the year, every year! The crowd, production and sound are all second to none”
Photo credit: Tremaine Gregg
Midland
“Having come to play in Belfast for many years now, it feels like a home from home. Its great to see such a professionally run and well curated festival taking place in Belfast, but more than that it’s the atmosphere that separates it from other festivals. The fact that it is only three years old belies an operation running more professionally than many places I play at and makes me very excited to see how it develops.”
Photo credit: Grant Jones
Jordan
“For the third year in a row, AVA Festival connected the North & South of Ireland in a weekend of conference, collaboration and music. Sarah and her team have become a crucial and integral part of electronic music in Ireland, and its been a pleasure to be involved once more. Playing the Boiler Room in arguably it’s loudest location, was an honour for me, and it did not disappoint!”
Photo credit: Grant Jones
Timmy Stewart
“Three years in, AVA has become the most important event for audio visual arts in the city. Not only does it help nurture the next generation of local artists, it has also created a platform to showcase Belfast to the rest of the world whilst making it a go-to destination for established international acts. As a DJ, it’s a truly electric gig to play at and something I look forward to every year.”
Photo credit: Luke Joyce
New Jackson
“I had a great time at AVA Festival. from the moment I was picked up to my lift back at the end of it all, you could see a festival run by a tight crew of friends all passionate about what they do, and that always translates into the overall experience – which was an absolute pleasure. Honourable mention to the Belfast crowd too, a bunch of beautifully loose buzzers who did themselves proud. Hard to believe it’s only my second New Jackson show there, please let’s make it a more regular event.”
Photo credit: Luke Joyce
OR:LA
“AVA was one of the best festivals I’ve played at, a privilege to be a part of!”