Defqon.1 festival ends early due to extreme heat warning

The Defqon.1 hardstyle festival in Biddinghuizen has been cut short due to the forecast of extreme temperatures. Organizers informed all attendees at midnight that they must vacate the festival grounds throughout the day.

The decision to cancel the remainder of the festival came after the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issued a code red warning for eight provinces, including Flevoland, where the festival is held. This is the first-ever weather alarm issued in the Netherlands specifically for heat.

Sander Bijlstra, director of organizer Q-dance, stated that the organization did not want to "take unnecessary risks with regard to the well-being of everyone." He emphasized that "at a certain point, you reach a tipping point concerning the safety of your visitors and employees. Code red is that without a doubt."

Earlier, Defqon.1 had already reduced its capacity due to the heat, limiting entry to 55,000 visitors with weekend tickets per day, a reduction of 15,000 people daily. The organization aims to have the campsite cleared by 6:00 PM and is arranging shuttle buses for those without their own transportation. Ticketholders will be informed about compensation policies after the weekend.

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On a given moment you come to a tipping point concerning the safety of your visitors and employees. Code red is that without a doubt.