While most uptempo and hardcore festivals combine multiple styles, Annihilation has stayed committed to one clear direction since day one: 100% bounce uptempo. Now, with its very first outdoor edition, the concept is taking another major step forward. In the latest episode of PLAFONDDIENST, organisers Marijn (better known as Aalst) and Wieger explain why they have always remained loyal to that formula and how a niche concept grew into a festival expecting around 12,000 visitors.
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“We were the first to go 100% bounce”
According to Marijn and Wieger, Annihilation’s success comes from its clear focus on a single style. While many festivals offer a mix of different uptempo subgenres, Annihilation was created as a home for bounce fans from the very beginning. “We were the first to go 100% bounce. At other festivals you’d get bounce for half the day and other styles for the rest. We saw there was a huge demand for an event where visitors could enjoy bounce uptempo all day long.”
That approach quickly paid off. The first editions sold out without spending a single euro on advertising, and demand continues to grow. “Up to 3,200 visitors, every edition sold out without an advertising budget. That just shows there was a huge need for a dedicated bounce event.”
“People had been asking us for years when we’d go outdoor”
That success naturally led to the next step: an outdoor festival. “Ever since the very first edition, people kept asking us when Annihilation would organise an outdoor festival.”
According to the organisers, the indoor venue had simply become too small. “When you sell 8,500 tickets and another thousand people are still looking for one, your event has simply outgrown the venue. That’s when you know it’s time to take the next step.”
“Visitors can finally stay all day”
Artist Missy also believes Annihilation’s success is no coincidence. According to him, the festival offers exactly what bounce uptempo fans have been waiting for. “At most festivals you might get an hour of bounce before the music shifts to something completely different. Here, people can stay all day because they enjoy every set. That’s what makes this festival so special.”
He also believes the festival creates opportunities for the many rising artists within the genre. “There’s so much new talent these days. Festivals like Annihilation give those artists a platform and the chance to showcase themselves to a bigger audience.”
“This is where it all started for us”
For Akimbo, the first outdoor edition is extra special. The duo has grown alongside Annihilation over the past few years and was also chosen to produce the anthem for the festival’s outdoor debut. “This is where it all started for us. We’ve basically grown up together with Annihilation. That’s what makes it so special that we were asked to create the anthem for the very first outdoor edition.”
According to Akimbo, the festival perfectly reflects how much bounce uptempo has evolved in recent years. “Back in the day, this music mostly lived on SoundCloud. Now it’s grown to the point where an entire outdoor festival can be built around it. That’s crazy to see.”
With three stages, dozens of live acts and a full programme dedicated to bounce uptempo, Annihilation hopes to prove this Saturday that a dedicated bounce festival is ready for the next step. Want to experience Annihilation’s outdoor debut yourself? The last tickets are available via the official website.
Curious to hear the full story behind Annihilation’s growth, its first outdoor edition and what Aalst, Wieger, Akimbo and Missy have planned for visitors this weekend? Listen to the latest episode of the PLAFONDDIENST Podcast on your favourite streaming platform.
Footage via: AnnihilationÂ
