Best friends Andrew Cairns, Ben Donnelly and Reece Harvey are experiencing a "full-circle" moment that they all find quite unbelievable.

Just four years ago, they were part of the massive crowd, staring up at the stage as some of the world's biggest dance acts performed at the first Emerge festival.

They have been back every year since. One of them also even previously helped build the stage.

This weekend, they will be there again, only this time on the stage itself with hoards of fans staring up at them.

About 20,000 people are expected each day at Boucher Road Playing Fields, with Andrew playing on the main stage and Ben and Reece making their Emerge debuts.

Andrew is back for his third appearance, but his connection with the festival goes back further.

"A few years ago I actually used to work here building the stage, the lights and the visuals," he said.

He spent two summers working part-time as a rigger before eventually appearing on the line-up.

"Two years ago I played my first ever set at Emerge, and I played on the Emerging stage," he said.

The stage showcases local talent and provided Andrew with a pathway to the main stage, where he performed last year and will return this weekend.

"In the last year, I've played all around Europe, all around the world, but coming home to play in Belfast is always my favourite."

This weekend will have added significance, with his two friends Ben and Reece making their Emerge debuts.

"Us three, we're best friends, so playing at the same event, especially one of this size, is going to be very special," he said.

For Ben, being on the line-up has not quite sunk in.

"I'm still expecting someone to say it's a joke," he said.

"Going to Emerge every year, it was the biggest date in the calendar.

"Obviously being friends with Andrew and watching him progress so much has been unreal, so for us to finally get the opportunity to do it all together, it's just something that I didn't think would even be a possibility."

Asked whether he ever imagined he would be the one performing, his answer was simple.

"No, to be honest. I think that it still doesn't really feel real that it's happening."

Reece's interest in DJing started about eight years ago when his dad bought him his first set of decks.

Growing up "obsessed with dance music", he said he would watch DJs coming through the rave scene and "idolise them".

But Emerge in 2022 was the first festival he had ever attended.

"From the second I walked in it was mind-blowing," he said.

"Being able to play this event, it's almost a full circle moment - it's brilliant.

"If you had said to me two weeks ago that I was playing Emerge I still would have laughed at you. It's pretty unbelievable."

For three friends who started out simply going to the festival together, Ben said getting the chance to play it was something he never expected.

"We all went to the very first Emerge and we've been here every year since," he added.

"If someone told me back then that it would be a possibility to play here, I just wouldn't have believed it.

"For it to actually happen is something I am so grateful for and I just cannot wait for it."

Hannah Laing and blk. are among the headline acts, with dozens of DJs performing across the weekend.

It takes place at Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August.

The festival is strictly for people aged 17 and over, with ID required for entry.

The festival is due to finish at about 22:45 BST on both nights.

Day and weekend tickets are available through Ticketmaster, subject to availability.

Festival-goers can travel by bus, train, taxi or car, with traffic restrictions expected around Boucher Road.