Qlimax: The Final Prophecy is set to be the last edition of one of the most iconic hardstyle events ever, marking the end of an era for Q-dance after 24 years.
Taking place on November 16, 2024, at the GelreDome in Arnhem, the event promises to be a monumental farewell. Known for its legendary storytelling and immersive atmosphere, this year’s edition will center around the mystical “Dark Star” theme, creating an unforgettable journey for hard dance lovers.
Qlimax has long been a staple in the hardstyle scene, pushing the boundaries of music, visuals, and production.
However, this final edition, fittingly titled The Final Prophecy, is not just a regular show—it symbolizes the conclusion of a beloved tradition that fans have cherished for over two decades. The decision to end Qlimax is part of a broader change within Q-dance, influenced by rising production costs and shifting dynamics in the festival industry.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this last chance to experience the epic soundscapes and mind-blowing stage design that have become synonymous with Qlimax. The event will feature an incredible lineup of top-tier hardstyle acts, ensuring that the closing chapter of Qlimax goes out with a bang.
Q-dance has also announced the end of several other events, including The Qontinent and QAPITAL, signaling a significant shift in the hardstyle festival landscape. Despite this, the company remains strong, with flagship events like Defqon.1 continuing to thrive.
Tickets for The Final Prophecy sold out rapidly, with long-time fans and newcomers alike seizing the opportunity to be part of this historical moment. For those lucky enough to attend, it’s bound to be an emotionally charged night, full of high-energy music and nostalgia.
Legendary Stages
Qlimax has always been renowned for its groundbreaking stage designs, evolving over the years to become one of the most iconic visual experiences in electronic music. Each edition featured a unique concept and intricate stage set-up that helped create an immersive atmosphere, with themes ranging from the mystical to the futuristic. The stage design has evolved from relatively simple structures in the early 2000s to some of the most elaborate and technically advanced productions in the festival world.
In the beginning, Qlimax’s stage was dominated by large LED screens and traditional lighting rigs. But as the event grew, Q-dance introduced more intricate designs, with the stage often resembling something out of a fantasy realm. These stages have included towering sculptures, massive rotating platforms, and mind-bending visual effects. One of the most notable changes over the years was the introduction of 3D mapping and holographic effects, which allowed for dynamic visuals that transformed the entire GelreDome into an immersive, otherworldly experience.
Recent editions of Qlimax have featured elaborate structures themed around celestial elements, dark temples, and futuristic machines, often with DJ booths placed at the heart of these spectacular designs. Each year, the lighting, pyrotechnics, lasers, and sound systems were taken to the next level, turning the GelreDome into a sensory playground. For example, in the 2019 edition, titled Symphony of Shadows, the stage featured massive rotating gears, towering figures, and a gigantic, glowing central eye that watched over the crowd, all synchronized to the pulsating beats of the hardstyle music.
As we approach the final edition, The Final Prophecy, fans can expect Q-dance to pull out all the stops. The stage will undoubtedly be a monumental tribute to the 24-year history of Qlimax, incorporating the best elements from past editions while pushing the boundaries of design and technology one last time
About Q-dance:
Q-dance is a Dutch event production company that has become a global leader in hard dance music. Founded in 2000, Q-dance specializes in organizing large-scale events that focus on genres like hardstyle, hardcore, and other forms of electronic music with high BPMs and intense energy. Its influence on the hard dance scene has been profound, establishing festivals and events that have shaped the genre over the past two decades.
Qlimax – One of their most iconic annual events, Qlimax, held in the GelreDome in Arnhem, has become synonymous with groundbreaking stage design, visual storytelling, and top-tier hardstyle performances. Each edition follows a carefully crafted theme, creating a narrative that fans experience through the event’s visuals and music.
Innovation and Storytelling:
Q-dance has pushed the boundaries of stage production, utilizing advanced lighting, pyrotechnics, and sound systems to create a fully immersive experience. The company is known for its ability to combine music with visual storytelling, often using themes related to mythology, science fiction, and the supernatural. Each event is an elaborate experience with stages that feel like pieces of art and performances that flow in sync with the visuals.
Q-dance has expanded its reach beyond the Netherlands, hosting events in Australia, Chile, and other countries. They also launched a media platform called Q-dance Radio and a YouTube channel that gives fans access to live performances, documentaries, and music releases, helping them engage with the global hard dance community.
Q-dance has cemented its position as a trendsetter and innovator in the hard dance scene, playing a critical role in elevating the genre to mainstream recognition, especially through events like Defqon.1 and Qlimax.
Written by Anna Prassl
