AVA announces online conference and music event this month

AVA Festival has announced the details for an online conference and music event taking place later this month.

Belfast’s AVA, which returns with its flagship festival in September this year after a cancelled 2020 edition, has now revealed plans for AVA Online: a day of online performances and conversations in place of the event’s usual May weekend.

Among the panels and conversations scheduled to take place are a talk between Seamas O’Reilly and DJ/presenter Annie Macmanus, who recently announced her departure from BBC Radio 1 after 17 years, about her career evolution. There’ll also be a workshop delivered by A/V artist Max Cooper, centered around his 2019 album ‘Yearning for the Infinite’, and a panel on DIY release strategies for next-generation artists.

Elsewhere, AVA’s live-streamed performances will come in the form of an R. Kitt Live A/V Show with visuals from Kev Freeney (Algorithm), and Northern Ireland’s Holly Lester teaming up with Visual Spectrum to create two AV explorations that will “ring true to the usual AVA Festival experience”. 

Speaking about the event, AVA founder Sarah McBriar said: “Annie Mac’s career and what she has done for the industry, particularly females, is staggering. Her transition from DJ to Radio and now Author is inspiring and a story we want to know more about! I am thrilled that we have her on board, alongside the very talented Max digging deep into his Visual Album ‘Yearning for the Infinite’, Robbie & Kevin Freeney’s Live show, Holly Lester and Visual Spectrum and a panel not to be missed for those planning their first release. The day is packed with unmissable content, to celebrate our annual AVA fix!'”

AVA Online will be free to access via the AVA website, YouTube and Facebook from 2PM on the 28th May. You can sign up for updates at www.avafestival.com.