Defqon.1 will not be returning this year to the Land Down Under after two deaths in 2018, a 23-year-old man from western Sydney and of the 21-year-old woman from Victoria.
The festival announced on it’s Facebook page that they were unable to obtain support from Sydney International Regatta Centre and its affiliates. The New South Wales Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, previously stated that she was going to do “whatever it takes” to end the festival and to bar the festival from ever happening in New South Wales and Sydney.
The festival was hosted annually in Australia since September 2009. Unfortunately last year’s deaths aren’t the first time for Defqon.1 Australia. In 2013, 1 festival goer died, 14 hospitalized, 84 charged for drug related offenses.
Comments made by fans shows the devastation it is causing throughout the community. One fan states:
“You don’t know the pain that this has caused us, however i still have a hope of light for you to search for a new replace for the festival to comeback the next year; this year it’s just a little break.
Thanks for all the dedication, the support and for everything achieved in the hardstyle scene for 10 wonderful years”
Another fan added:
“This house was ours
Until they kicked us out
#RipDefqonAus“
Fans desperately urged to move the festival to other states like Perth or Adelaide, whilst others just said they’d go to Netherlands, the festival’s original and longest standing location.
Fans have tried to keep the festival alive previously before; organizing a petition, “Don’t Kill Live Music”. When New South Wales government imposed strict regulations against live music festivals.
The Facebook post did encourage the festival goers to enjoy other festival related events.
“During this time, we welcome you to explore our events or hostings in of any of the 15 countries we are active in this year.”