Qlimax

Qlimax is an annual hardstyle and hard dance event in the Netherlands. It is a major attraction held by Q-dance, and considered to be one of the leading hardstyle events, attracting nearly 30,000 people annually. It contains some of the most sophisticated production and setup, as well as sound system for any Q-dance event.
History
During the first few years following Qlimax's debut, the event used to have several editions each year. Since 2004, it was changed to the third or fourth week of November. At first it was held at the Beursgebouw (Eindhoven) and then moved to various other venues such as the SilverDome (Zoetermeer) and Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam), but has now settled at the GelreDome (Arnhem).
Artists and event
Many artists consider being chosen to play at Qlimax as a highlight since the event is used to showcase the most successful artists in their respective genre. The beginning saw the lineup featuring genres ranging from Hardhouse to Techno. This was changed to traditionally begin with one Hardtrance act, numerous Hardstyle acts and then finish off with one Hardcore/Gabber act. This was changed in 2008 with the removal of the Jumpstyle act and in 2009 with the replacement of the Hardtrance act to one playing early Hardstyle.
in 2021 the event would have taken place during the day for the first time, to adhere to the COVID-19 pandemic precautions and guidelines at that time in the Netherlands. A week before the event was due, the event was cancelled and adapted to an online event.
The sound, light, pyrotechnic and stage setup at Qlimax is substantial. Around 350 L'Acoustics speaker boxes are deployed in the arena, with a majority being suspended from the ceiling. The conventional part of the lighting setup is controlled from 3 light desks, and the laser show is done by a certified laser show operator. FOH is placed out in the crowd, giving the technicians the overview they need, as well as the sound coverage needed to ensure everyone is having the most ideal possible sound at all times.
Anthems
Like most of the Q-dance events, an anthem is made every year by the headlining DJ (with the exception of 2001 and 2002) to represent that edition. Below is a list of the anthems for each edition:
Dutch Anthems
2003: The Prophet – Follow the Leader
2003: Deepack – The Prophecy
2004: Future Tribes – Deadlock (Unofficial)
2005: DJ Zany – Science & Religion
2006: Alpha² – The Dark Side (Co-produced by JDX)
2007: Headhunterz – The Power of the Mind
2008: Technoboy – Next Dimensional World
2009: D-Block & S-te-Fan – The Nature Of Our Mind
2010: Brennan Heart – Alternate Reality
2011: Zatox – No Way Back
2012: Psyko Punkz – Fate or Fortune
2013: Gunz For Hire ft. Ruffian – Immortal Essence
2014: Noisecontrollers – The Source Code of Creation
2015: Atmozfears – Equilibrium
2016: Coone – Rise of the Celestials
2017: Wildstylez – Temple of Light
2018: Sub Zero Project – The Game Changer
2019: B-Front – Symphony of Shadows
2020: None (each artist made an anthem for the source movie)
2021: Ran-D ft. Charlotte Wessels – The Reawakening
2022: Ran-D ft. Charlotte Wessels – The Reawakening
2023: Hard Driver – Enter The Void
Editions
Most significant artists
See also
List of electronic music festivals
References
External links
Q-dance Website
Report about Qlimax 2009
Qlimax 2010 Website
Report about Qlimax 2010
Qlimax 2011 Website
Qlimax 2012 Website
Qlimax 2013 Website
Qlimax 2014 Website
Qlimax 2015 Website
Music festivals established in 2000
Electronic music festivals in the Netherlands
Trance festivals