Month: September 2026

Beyond Boundaries

3 Days & Nights of Music, Creativity, Culture & Visual Art

24-26 September 2026

AVA London returns from 24th-26th September 2026, bringing together senior leaders, artists, innovators and cultural figures from across music, entertainment and the wider creative industries for three days and nights of keynotes, industry forums, live conversations, workshops, masterclasses, performances and high-level networking.

With a strong focus on the business of music and culture, this year’s programme moves beyond conventional conference discussion to examine the forces shaping the industry now – from new models of growth and investment to the changing value of artists, audiences, technology, intellectual property and live experiences.

Across two conference days at the British Library, AVA London will bring together artists and emerging creatives with established figures from labels, management, publishing, festivals, venues, technology, media and cultural organisations. Practical workshops, expert-led sessions, industry forums and dedicated networking will sit alongside the wider programme of talks and keynotes, creating a platform not only for conversation, but for connection, collaboration and business.

CLICK HERE FOR PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

Thursday – September 24

Pigott Theatre

11:00 – 12:00 | Opening Keynote: The Avalanches In Conversation With DJ Mag
12:00 – 12:45 | Time Out x Gay Times Presents: Queer Nightlife Beyond Crisis: Who builds the future?
13:00 – 13:45 | Elijah’s Grant Funding Workshop
14:00 – 14:45 | No Tags podcast Live: Tim & Barry
15:00 – 15:45 | Keynote Panel: The Game Changers
16:00 – 16:45 | Fabio & Grooverider – In Conversation

Eliot Room

11:00 – 12:45 | teamLab: Interactive Workshop with Takashi Kudo
14:00 – 14:45 | Visual Spectrum Presents: Taking TELETECH Global – Touring & Visual Identity
15:00 – 15:45 | AlphaTheta & Westend DJ Presents: From Library to Booth – rekordbox & CDJ-3000X Walkthrough
16:00 – 16:45 | AVA Presents: The Art of Brand Partnerships – How to build meaningful cultural moments with brands & institutions

Bronte Room

11:00 – 12:45 | Ableton Presents: Sounding The Archive with patten, supported by ANNA DISCLAIM
13:30 – 16:30 | AVA & b:electronic Presents: The Music Supply Chain

Dickens Room

13:30 – 16:45 | AVA & ChariTea Presents: AVA Club Forum

Atrium

18:00 – 21:00 | AVA Pro – Networking Mixer

Friday – September 25

Pigott Theatre

11:00 – 11:45 | Oklou – Resident Advisor Exchange Live
12:00 – 12:45 |  Nothing Presents: What Does Music Need Now?
13:00 – 13:45 | Presented by AVA & ChariTea: What’s Next For Nightlife?
14:00 – 14:45 | EastBank Presents: Black is a Spectrum – Discussing The Music Is Black Festival
16:00 – 17:00 | EarthPercent: Moby (Virtual Keynote)
17:00 – 17:15 | Closing Address

Eliot Room

12:00 – 12:45 | AFEM Presents: Starting, Surviving and Thriving – A Toolkit for Independent Promoters
13:00 – 13:45 | AFEM Presents: MusicFutures – The Future of Music Licensing in a Gaming World
15:00 – 15:45 | Sama Abdulhadi & Special Guest: In Conversation

Bronte Room

11:00 – 12:00 | Festival Forum
12:00 – 13:00 | Festival Forum Networking Lunch
14:00 – 15:00 | Roundhouse (Production Masterclass)
15:00 – 15:45 | PRS for Music Presents: The Business of Music

Dickens Room

14:00 – 14:45 | AFEM Presents: Meet The Experts (sign up via this form)

Atrium

18:00 – 21:00 | AVA Pro – Networking Mixer

Attend AVA for Business – Delegate Programme

Leading the industry programme is The Game Changers, bringing together senior executives actively challenging and redefining the music, culture and entertainment business: Mary Bekhait, CEO, YMU; Anya Du Sauzay, Marketing Director & Head of Label Operations, Atlantic Records UK; Sam Spencer, Director of Live Operations, Broadwick Live; and Finn Sohn, Chief Business Officer, DooRooDooRoo Artist Company. The conversation will examine where influence and leverage sit in today’s industry, how businesses are adapting to a rapidly changing market, and what the next phase of growth looks like.

The Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) returns with three industry-focused sessions spanning leadership, skills and the future of electronic music. Building the Next Generation of Promoters brings together David Zhou, Founder, Eastern Margins; Remco Schuurbiers, CTM Festival; Samantha Togni, Boudica; and Steven Braines, He.She.They, to examine the changing role of promoters and what it takes to build sustainable, globally relevant scenes.

MusicFutures presents The Future of Music Licensing in a Gaming World, bringing together Vicky Taylor, Head of Creative & Licensing, Truelove Music Publishing; Sergio Pimental, Creative Director & Music Supervisor, Synchronicity Music; Richard Jacques, Composer; and George Rose, Head of Broadcast & Digital, PRS for Music, hosted by Sabine Jacques, IP & AI Policy Lead at MusicFutures. The session will examine the rapidly expanding relationship between music, gaming, licensing and new forms of intellectual property.

Meet The Experts will give delegates the opportunity to connect directly with experienced professionals from across the electronic music industry through curated one-to-one B2B meetings, providing a focused setting for meaningful introductions, knowledge exchange and business development.

New Creative & Cultural Additions

Among the latest additions, pioneering Palestinian DJ, producer and cultural activist Sama’ Abdulhadi joins the programme for an in-conversation with a special guest. One of the most significant Palestinian artists to emerge internationally, Abdulhadi has used her platform to bring global visibility to Palestine’s electronic music community while advocating for Palestinian artists, cultural spaces and greater solidarity across the international music industry. Her career increasingly intersects with questions of representation, cultural resistance and the role music can play beyond the dancefloor.

London-based artist, writer and creative strategist Elijah will lead a dedicated Grant Funding Workshop. Co-founder of influential grime label Butterz and the artist behind the Yellow Squares project, Elijah’s work has explored artistic independence, community and the realities of building and sustaining a creative practice. The workshop will bring that perspective to the practical question of grant funding for artists and creatives.

Taking TELETECH Global: Touring & Visual Identity, presented by Visual Spectrum, will explore the development of Manchester-born electronic music promoter TELETECH from its roots in the city’s underground techno scene into an international touring brand.

Meanwhile, The Art of Brand Partnerships: How to Build Meaningful Cultural Moments with Brands & Institutions will examine the changing relationship between cultural organisations and commercial partners, looking beyond traditional sponsorship models towards more meaningful and creatively-led collaborations.

Elsewhere, The Music Supply Chain, presented by AVA & b:electronic, will examine how local scenes, artists and independent businesses connect with the global music ecosystem, while a Production Masterclass with Roundhouse will focus on the practical skills and knowledge required to bring ambitious creative projects to life for music makers.

Together, the new sessions expand AVA London’s programme across the practical, creative and commercial sides of the industry, spanning funding, touring, production, partnerships, publishing and the wider infrastructure that supports music and culture.

Industry Offering – Delegates, Networking and Culture

Now in its ninth year, AVA London continues to champion imagination and music innovation in the UK, creating space for new thinking, creative collaboration and exchange across different areas of the music and creative industries.

Alongside the public conference programme, AVA will create dedicated spaces for more focused industry exchange – AVA Pro Networking Mixers will provide further opportunities for delegates to meet and build new working relationships, with attendees also able to connect with fellow delegates ahead of the event through the AVA conference app.

Bringing these elements together, AVA London offers two days of direct access to the wider music industry, whether through practical learning, one-to-one expertise, focused industry discussion or the opportunity to build new relationships. For artists, managers, promoters, labels and professionals working across music today, the programme is designed not only as a place to hear the conversations shaping the industry, but to take part in them.

The AVA London Pro Pass (Day & Night) includes

• Full access to the AVA London conference
• Entry to AVA London showcases at The Cross, Round Chapel, Outernet & EartH
• Exclusive access to networking events & mixers
• Connect with delegates in advance via the AVA conference app
• An AVA London tote bag

Ticket Options

PRO PASS (DAY & NIGHT) | £200
PRO PASS (CONFERENCE DAYTIME ONLY) | £151
THURSDAY OR FRIDAY (DAY TICKET ONLY)| £85

Student & Community Access Tickets available via application – apply here

More Ticket Information

Night Time Programme: FOLD, Outernet Live, EartH, Round Chapel Clapton

AVA London will also feature an expanded night programme celebrating key figures in electronic music and the artists who have shaped the AVA story over the years.

Thursday – AVA London x Seanchoíche ‘TIME’

AVA London joins forces with storytelling platform Seanchoíche for a special bumper edition focused around the theme of TIME.

Friday – AVA London x RA25, Outernet Live

AVA London joins forces with Resident Advisor for a special RA25 celebration featuring Blawan Live, Mala, Bitter Babe Live AV feat. Koch.a and AliA.

Friday – AVA London x FOLD

AVA takes over London institution FOLD for a special London edition featuring Optimo, Special Guest, Swoose, Holly Lester, Body Clinic and JWY.

Saturday – AVA London x Stay On Sight, EartH, Hackney

AVA London teams up with Skin On Skin for a Stay On Sight takeover at EartH Hall in Dalston for a night featuring Skin On Skin, Evian Christ, Croatian Amor and mi-el.

Tickets for these can be purchased via Resident Advisor here

AVA Creators Forum London 2026

This year, AVA partnered with Arts Council England and Roundhouse Creative Studios to bring together a new cohort of emerging electronic musicians and producers for the London Creators Forum.

Across a week of studio sessions, mentoring, workshops and feedback, the programme gave artists the time and space to create, listen, exchange ideas and build meaningful connections. From developing works in progress to sharing creative approaches, the forum encouraged collaboration, experimentation and growth.

Creators Forum is rooted in the belief that emerging artists thrive when they have access to the right space, support and community. By bringing different perspectives and practices together, the programme creates opportunities for artists to strengthen their work, learn from one another and take the next step in their creative journeys.

Huge thanks to Arts Council England, Roundhouse Creative Studios, Resident Advisor and Ableton for helping make the London edition possible and for supporting the cohort with the space, tools, guidance and opportunities to develop their practice.

Meet the nine talented emerging electronic musicians and producers selected from hundreds of applicants. Each brings a unique sound, vision and perspective to the programme, and we are excited to support what comes next.

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Mishko is a London-born producer, multi-instrumentalist and performer working across electronic and experimental music. Classically trained, Mishko blends live music with modern production methods, using song-driven structures to bring experimental ideas into a contemporary listening space.

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Aaliya, a Singaporean drummer and singer. I’m passionate about creating songs that capture a distinct mood and emotional atmosphere, and I enjoy using my voice as an instrument, treating it as part of the texture of a track rather than simply a lead vocal.

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LAAHFER is an Irish producer and DJ based in London, carving out his own soundscape shaped by the city’s club scene. He also holds a monthly residency on Brixton Radio, spinning the same sound alongside a rotating cast of guests. With support from DJ EZ, Pariah and Surusinghe on his most recent release ‘Bliss’, he’s now building out a live set that blends his ever evolving hardware setup and a custom Eurorack system.

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Matty The Friend is an Auckland-born, London-based DJ and producer of Southeast Asian descent, known for his blissful electronic productions and animated, high-energy sets. His sound moves between melodic, atmospheric textures and emotional dance music, bringing together warmth, depth and a distinctly club-focused energy. Making his mark across New Zealand, Matty has performed at festivals including Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps, Le Currents, and The Coro Classic, while also supporting international artists includina kenta. Y U 0l. Gamoutiv. ” oods. and Memnhis k alongside many others.

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Shivani Sen s a New Delhi-born, London-based singer-songwriter and composer blending Hindustani Classical music with western indie pop songwriting, and electronic blending her worlds of spirituality and storytelling into a distinctive cross-cultural sound.

A Highly Commended awardee of the BBC Radio 3 Tune into Nature Music Prize 2026, she has performed at venues like Southbank Centre and festivals including Lowlands, Lost Village, We Out Here and All Points East.

Her original music has been featured by BBC Radio 3, BBC Introducing Asian Network, NTS Radio, Notion and DIY, with BBC Introducing naming her Artist of the Week.

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Toraigh is an Irish producer, DJ and promoter based in London. Over the last few years she’s been making her mark on the underground queer scene in London. She’s played at venues such as Corsica Studios, Fabric, E1, No.90 and Dalston Superstore and has played at festivals including Body Movements, AVA festival and Queens Yard Summer Party. She is also a resident at both Aaja and Voices Radio.

She is in the process of releasing her debut EP supported by DJ Mag and Help Musicians. Her productions merge a passion for underground techno, trance and acid with a background in Irish traditional music, her traditional Irish flute being a common thread through much of her work.

Her queer club event Club Rua is currently undergoing a year long Arts Council backed residency at EartH in Dalston. Rua prioritises FLINTA DJs playing underground electronic music and has been featured in fourfour Magazine, Nonchalant Magazine and COLD magazine.

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LORE is a Northern Irish electronic producer and DJ based in Bath, UK. Through his self-released music spanning trance, ambient and experimental electronic, he focuses on emotionally charged, melancholic melodies, atmospheric textures and immersive sound design. LORE draws direct influence from the underground electronic scene and continues to push his sound forward. He is currently developing his debut album, exploring themes of solitude, spirituality and impermanence. His music has been featured on Danish artist jjjacob’s label Katharsis, with his work also set to appear on Canadian DJ and trance artist TDJ’s SPF INFINI label later this year.

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Thechi is the electronic music project of London-based producer and DJ Arjun Yohannan, creating music that moves between deep and melodic house, electronica, ambient and minimal techno. His sound is rooted in warm grooves, hypnotic rhythms and evolving melodies, shaped by a fascination with memory, atmosphere and the emotional spaces that music can create. From intimate, introspective moments to deeper dancefloor energy. Thechi’s music is a personal journey through mood, movement and sound.

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Raised by the sea, Mavi has built a sound that never quite left the shoreline – groove-centred, emotive dance music with a warmth that runs through everything he makes. Across his EPs, that world has taken shape: from the bright, pop-leaning hooks of Diamonds to the sun-drenched Balearic glow of The Tropics. Radio 1 tastemakers Jack Saunders, Jess Iszatt, and Sian Eleri have taken notice, hailing his tracks as “special,” “infectious,” “superb,” and “destined for Ibiza.”

AVA Creators Forum Belfast 2026

This year, in partnership with PPL and AMPS Studio, AVA brought a cohort of DJs and producers together in Belfast for the Creators Forum.

Across a week of studio sessions, mentoring, workshops and feedback, the programme created space for artists to make, listen, exchange ideas and build meaningful connections. Producers brought works in progress, DJs brought their instincts and selections, and the room became a space for testing ideas, sharing approaches and developing work together.

The original plan was to select two DJs to open AVA Belfast. The strength, commitment and talent within the cohort made that impossible to limit, with four artists ultimately chosen to perform at the festival.

Belfast’s music community continues to thrive because artists share knowledge, support one another and create opportunities for what comes next. Programmes like Creators Forum are a reminder of the value of investing in that process, giving emerging artists the time, space and support to grow their practice.

Huge thanks to PPL and AMPS Studio for helping make this year’s Belfast edition happen, and for backing the cohort with the space, tools and support to develop their work.

Here are our nine talented emerging electronic musicians and producers selected from hundreds of applicants. Each brings their unique sound, vision, and passion to the programme – and we’re excited to support them on the next step of their creative journeys.

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YARIS is a rising force in Belfast’s electronic music scene: a DJ who brings fun, boundary-pushing experiences into the spaces she steps.

With YARIS starting DJing in the summer of 2024 she has already made her mark at some of Belfast’s most important venues and festivals such as Emerge, The Telegraph Building, Thompsons, Lavery’s, Titanic Distillers, The Barge, Marcus Ward, Banana Block and Ulster Sports Club + more.

Beyond DJing, YARIS is the founder of @musicisnonverbal, a project designed to help neurodivergent and socially anxious individuals connect, express, and heal through the universal language of music.

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Clerk is the DJ alias of Belfast based artist Niall Clerkin, an emerging name in the city’s fast moving electronic music scene.

Built around high energy selections and a no nonsense club sound, Clerk moves between hard house, house, techno and bounce, blending driving rhythms with euphoric, hands in the air energy. After being selected for AVA’s Creators Forum, Clerk went on to play AVA Festival mainstage, marking a major step in his rise through the local scene. Since then, he has continued to build momentum across Belfast’s underground circuit, playing for promoters and collectives including Clipped, Powerhouse and Network 404.

Rooted in the energy of Belfast dancefloors, Clerk’s sets are made for peak-time movement: fast, fun and direct, with a sound that connects hard edged club music with proper party atmosphere.

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Through fractured electronics and genre-fluid production, Emo Debt builds sound worlds that balance chaos with emotion. Originating from Donegal, Ireland, his work exists somewhere between the club, the soundtrack, and the subconscious.

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AIMEE is a multi-genre DJ from Belfast, bringing high-energy sets across hard dance, techno, tech trance and everything in between.
Working with a range of promoters and playing venues across the city and beyond, AIMEE delivers versatile sounds for every crowd.

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A DJ and producer hailing from North Dublin, crafting a sound rooted in garage, house and groove-driven dance music.

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Clar.key, a genre-fluid DJ based in Belfast. I love playing all sorts of dance music, from house to trance/dance music. My sound as of late has been reflected by the sounds of artists such as; The Trip, Luke Alessi, Demi Requisimo, Sam Alfred and DJ Heartstring.

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Leabella is an emerging Irish DJ and producer whose sound blends hard techno and schranz.
She has supported some huge names on the scene and is quickly making a name for herself with high-energy, hard-hitting sets.

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Oisín Mac Cann is a 22 year old singer, songwriter, producer, composer and DJ from Dublin, Ireland. Primarily operating under his solo alias Omniscient, he also is a member of Dublin bands Light Gallery and Bodyschema. There are no genres off limits to Oisín, and this is clear in his work. EDM, Shoegaze and Synth-pop are commonplace, but never certain. With several upcoming projects and releases, including bodies of work for all three artists named and a short film score – Oisín’s year is far from over.

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Brought up in the belly of Belfasts club scene Matheson is the creative guise of electronic music producer and DJ, Lewis Mathieson.