As Defqon.1 approaches, the same thing happens every year: more and more photos and videos of the festival grounds under construction in Biddinghuizen start appearing on social media. In particular, images of the iconic RED stage spread rapidly among fans eager to catch a glimpse of the festival’s biggest stage. This year, however, Q-dance is asking visitors not to share those images.
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In the latest episode of the PLAFONDDIENST Podcast, hosts Wouter and Marijn discuss a remarkable message posted by Q-dance on Reddit. In it, the organization asks the community not to share leaked photos and videos of the RED and other stages, allowing everyone to experience that same first moment of wonder upon arriving at The Holy Grounds.
Dear Tribe,
With less than two weeks to go until Defqon.1, the anticipation is building fast. Every day, we see more of our festival come to life, and with every new stage, structure and detail, our curiosity grows alongside yours.
For more than a year, we’ve been working towards this moment, and right now, we’re watching the Holy Grounds come to life day by day. One of the most special parts of that process is seeing the RED take shape. And while we understand the curiosity, we’d like to ask for a small favor.
Please don’t share leaked build-up photos and videos of the RED or other stages.
Not because we want to keep them to ourselves, but because we believe that seeing the RED in all its glory for the very first time is a sacred moment. It’s one of those experiences that only happens once a year.
In the past, preventing leaks was a lot easier. Today, with drones and social media, it’s nearly impossible. We’re aware of that. Until we figure out a proper anti-air defense system, some leaks will always find their way online.
So this isn’t a request for us. It’s a request for the Tribe. Help us preserve that first moment of wonder for everyone arriving at the Holy Grounds.
Thank you for your understanding, and we can’t wait to welcome you home.
Q-dance
“That should be your first impression,”
The hosts of PLAFONDDIENST understand the reasoning behind the request. In the podcast, they explain that they deliberately try to avoid RED build-up photos themselves. “You want to experience that when you’re actually at the festival. You walk past that hill and then, for the first time, you see that massive RED stage. That should be your first impression,” they say on PLAFONDDIENST. According to Wouter, some visitors go even further to preserve the surprise. “I know people who walk from the entrance gates to the RED with their heads down, just to keep the surprise intact for as long as possible.”
The discussion surrounding build-up photos has been part of the Tribe for years. While some fans avoid every possible spoiler, others actively search for photos and videos of the construction process. With this request, Q-dance hopes visitors will give each other the chance to experience the RED in all its glory for the very first time.
Curious what other artists, shows and surprises Wouter and Marijn discuss in their extensive Defqon.1 2026 preview? From The Gathering and POWER HOUR to Defqon.1 Legends, the RED stage and the best sidequests on The Holy Grounds, listen to the full episode of PLAFONDDIENST on Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
