A fresh wind is blowing across De Berendonck. After saying goodbye to Emporium, promoter Matrixx is introducing a brand-new concept in 2026: Hard & Hollands. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the well-known festival grounds in Wijchen will transform into a playground where hard-hitting beats meet Dutch sing-alongs.
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The festival is hosted by Outsiders and Django Wagner, a striking combination that, according to the organization, is exactly the intention. “It’s a unique blend of two worlds that both revolve around celebration, passion, and recognizability,” says Matrixx director David Brons. “We want people to laugh, sing and go wild, all in one place.”
The festival takes place at the same location where Matrixx organized Emporium for many years. That event ended in 2025, but Brons doesn’t see it as a farewell. “The event landscape never stands still. Sometimes you have to let something go to make room for fresh ideas,” he explains. While Emporium once welcomed 35,000 visitors, Hard & Hollands aims for around 10,000 festival-goers. “We know the location and the community well. This feels like coming home, but with something completely new.”
Mainstage full of party classics
The mainstage hosts major names from the harder styles scene, including Paul Elstak, The Darkraver, FeestDJRuud, Partyraiser and Ruthless. They deliver powerful beats, but with a recognizable twist: Dutch hits remixed into energetic festival anthems. “There are already so many hard remixes of famous sing-alongs,” Brons says. “That’s why we wanted to expand the concept, a place where hardstyle and Dutch party culture truly come together.”
Alongside frontman Django Wagner, Marco Schuitmaker, René le Blanc, Gullie and K-Liber will also perform special Hard & Hollands versions of their songs. More Dutch artists will be announced later.
“An honor to do this together”
Outsiders is also excited to headline the festival alongside Wagner. “I’ve played at the biggest festivals for years, but this really feels special,” he says. “It’s not just hard, it has heart. Everyone knows the lyrics, everyone sings along. That’s going to be pure energy.”
De Klassieker: back to the roots
In the second area, ‘De Klassieker’, visitors return to the glory days of early hardstyle and hardcore. “I secretly love this just as much,” Brons laughs. “It reminds me of the early years of Matrixx, when DJs sold out night after night and truly caused a revolution.”
This area features artists like Bass-D, Pavo, Luna, Panic, The Viper and Rob & MC Joe, names that spark instant nostalgia for longtime fans.
Dutch vibes
Beyond the two main stages, there’s plenty more to explore on the festival grounds. At the party café ‘De Hollandse Nieuwe’, upcoming Dutch singers will perform, while visitors can enjoy traditional games like shuffleboard, tin-throwing, koekhappen and even an old-fashioned carousel. Is there a dress code? “No, not at all,” says Brons. “But something with a Dutch touch is always fun!”
Tickets & info
Hard & Hollands takes place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at De Berendonck in Wijchen. Ticket sales start on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM. The first tickets cost €34.50 (including a €15 introductory discount). Those who register in advance can purchase tickets from 10:00 AM. “The response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” Brons says with a grin. “So things might go HARD when tickets go on sale!” Visit the official website for tickets and more information.
