Words by Christopher Kevin Au // Images by Chris Loutfy

It’s all over for another year.

Last year, we wrote a review about losing our Defqon.1 virginity in exhilarating fashion. In 2017, we were sucked into the Defqon vortex once more for our sophomore effort. This time around, photographer Chris Loutfy joined us on our trip out West to document our experiences at Penrith Regatta Centre.

Australian dance and clubbing communities – in particular, the harder sections championed by Defqon.1 – have been marred by negative stereotypes pedalled by press and publications feeding us the same tired narratives: That festivals are for shirtless meatheads, drug abusers, and criminals. What they fail to mention is the celebratory aura that surrounds Defqon.1, an experience that remains simply unmatched in Australia in terms of its size and all-round camaraderie within its crowds, who stand tall as dance music’s most dedicated fans.

Defqon.1 was a furious soundtrack of hard dance and euphoric sing-a-longs, paired amicably with schizophrenic lasers and flames that lit up the night sky, erupting from a hypercolour monster of a main stage. 24,000 punters were dancing in front of the alter, some of whom have etched the Defqon logo into their hair, or permanently on their skin. Others have taken time to craft vivacious, intricate outfits from outer-space, strutting confidently throughout the grounds with a pair of Nike Air Max. Their love for the event cannot be questioned.

Here, we have captured the most colourful characters from Defqon.1. With the festival’s 10 year Australian anniversary arriving in 2018, we can only imagine that huge celebrations are in order. Go on, give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.