MITA’s Essential Guide to AVA London 2026: Four Conversations Worth Your Time

From The Avalanches on sampling to Fabio & Grooverider on rave culture, these are the sessions we’re making time for at AVA London.

AVA London returns from 24–26 September 2026. Its daytime conference brings artists, promoters and creative voices to the British Library on Thursday and Friday, while the wider programme continues into the night. If you’re looking for a place to start, these four conversations are on MITA’s list.

The Avalanches in conversation with DJ Mag

Thursday 24 September · 11:00–12:00 · Pigott Theatre, British Library

The Avalanches have made a creative language out of finding connections between sounds. At AVA, they join DJ Mag to discuss their new release, their approach to sampling and what it means to make art in a culture that moves quickly from one thing to the next.

For anyone who has wondered how an old recording becomes part of a new world, this is a conversation about listening as much as making. Explore the AVA conference programme.

Queer Nightlife Beyond Crisis: Who builds the future?

Thursday 24 September · 12:00–12:45 · Pigott Theatre, British Library

What happens to club culture when the places that hold it have to change? Presented by Time Out and Gay Times, this session asks who gets to shape the future of queer nightlife and what those spaces might look like beyond the traditional club.

Nightlife is built by people. Its future depends on whose ideas, safety and sense of belonging are given room. Discover the featured session.

Read also - When the spectacle takes over the sound: Marco Cariola Is the Reality Check Club Culture Needed

Fabio & Grooverider in conversation

Thursday 24 September · 16:00–16:45 · Pigott Theatre, British Library

Before dance music travelled instantly through feeds and playlists, scenes grew through clubs, radio and people passing records to one another. Fabio & Grooverider join AVA to reflect on rave culture, pirate radio and their influence on electronic music.

This is a chance to hear that history from two people who helped make it. If you want to understand the sounds in today’s booths, spend some time with the stories behind them. Check the full schedule.

Read also - Next on London’s calendar: Jamie Jones Brings Voyager to London Ironworks

Oklou: Resident Advisor Exchange Live

Friday 25 September · 11:00–11:45 · Pigott Theatre, British Library

Oklou joins Resident Advisor for a live Exchange conversation. The French singer and producer brings a different perspective to a programme that moves between club history, artistic practice and the future of the industry.

Read also - On 24 October, MITA takes the night from Ironworks to Starlane. Explore our official afterparty and get tickets.

What interests us is the opportunity to hear how an artist thinks in her own words. Come for the music; stay for the ideas behind it. Explore Friday’s programme.

After the talks

AVA continues after dark. The announced night programme includes an RA25 celebration at Outernet Live and an AVA night at FOLD on Friday, followed by a Stay On Sight takeover at EartH on Saturday. Check the official schedule and ticket options when planning your visit.