Defqon.1 restricts access for day-ticket holders due to “extreme weather forecast”
Fans with Friday or Saturday-only tickets will not be able to attend the festival due to safety concerns linked to the ongoing heatwave
Defqon.1 has restricted access for attendees holding Friday or Saturday-only tickets due to an “extreme weather forecast.”
The Dutch hardstyle festival, which gets underway tomorrow (Friday, 26th June) and continues through the weekend, will only be open to weekend-ticket holders on its first two days.
Defqon.1 described the decision to limit access for day-ticket holders as “difficult” in an official statement shared this afternoon, but added that it had been made in line with the recommendations of local authorities.
It comes amid a heatwave that has seen temperatures soar across parts of Europe. It’s expected that the Netherlands could face heat of 38°C over this coming weekend.
Confirming the restrictions on Instagram, Defqon.1 said: “Over the past few days, we have been in close consultation with the municipality, emergency services, and other relevant authorities regarding the expected heat. Together, we explored every possible measure to improve the safety and wellbeing of our visitors. However, despite the additional precautions put in place, the combination of the forecasted temperatures and the visitor numbers expected on Friday and Saturday creates risks that we are not willing to take.
“Therefore, holders of Friday and/or Saturday tickets will not be able to attend Defqon.1 on those days. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with a very heavy heart. We know how much this weekend means to all of you. However, the health and safety of our visitors must always come first.
“By significantly reducing the number of visitors on-site, and with the additional measures that have been implemented, we believe, together with the municipality and emergency services, that we can provide a safer environment for all Weekend visitors. This includes more available shade, better access to facilities, and less crowding during peak moments.”
Refund information for day-ticket holders will be issued directly to those affected.
Read Defqon.1’s full statement below, and find out more on the festival’s website .
Over 350 artists across all harder styles are set to perform at Defqon.1 2026, including Brennan Heart, Showtek, Sub Zero Project, Angerfist, Hysta, Anime, Miss K8, and many more.
Last month, Primavera Sound’s first full day of programming was heavily disrupted by severe rain , leading to the last-minute cancellation of sets from Massive Attack, Doja Cat, Bad Gyal and others.
