The Vinyl Factory explores the DJs, performers, and choices for vinyl enthusiasts at this year’s festivals.

Following a successful London outing at Printworks earlier this year, AVA festival returns to Belfast this June 2 and 3.

Read more: AVA Festival adds Ben UFO, Peggy Gou and more to Belfast line-up

Boasting an electronic and hip-hop-heavy line-up including Central Cee, Peggy Gou and Overmono, the festival is bringing in the big names whilst also casting a light on unstoppable Irish electronic talents.

Here are five vinyl sets at AVA Belfast that The Vinyl Factory is excited about, including Sally C, Marion Hawkes and Eliza Rose.

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Sally C

Saturday b2b with OR:LA

What better way to spend your Belfast festival than by dancing to the best local talent? Well, you’re in luck as Belfast’s Sally C goes b2b with Derry’s OR;LA on Saturday at AVA. Sally C has built a name through her vinyl selector skills over recent years, displaying a unique knowledge of ’80s and ’90s house bangers. Get ready for thumping tunes and party vibes.

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DJ Boring

Saturday

London-based producer DJ Boring burst onto the scene with his lo-fi house hit “Winona” back in 2016 and has since found notable success with his emotional, euphoric DJ sets. DJ Boring’s performances are steeped in sincerity and pay homage to all types of celebratory club music from years gone by. Grab a mate for some memory-making.

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Eliza Rose

Saturday

Fresh off the back of a UK number one song from “B.O.T.A. (Baddest Of Them All), her collaboration with Interplanetary Criminal, VF Live alumni Eliza Rose will bring her crate-digging expertise to AVA festival. The East London protégé spent a decade working at Flashback Records and it shows in her sets which make for a deft genre exploration touching on soul, funk, UKG, house and more.

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Swoose

Friday

Another fine example of Ireland’s thriving house scene, Swoose lives in the world of ’90s house, commanding euphoria through his rave-focused sets. One for the dancers.

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Marion Hawkes

Saturday

Belfast record store Sound Advice’s founder and VF Live DJ, Marion Hawkes, carries her eclectic knowledge to AVA on Saturday. Playing a vital role in East Belfast’s musical landscape, Hawkes is a local legend and her sets are guaranteed to leave you desperately mouthing “track ID?” towards the booth.

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Tickets for AVA Belfast 2023 are on sale here.