Why Dekmantel Festival Should Be On Your Radar
Here’s why Every Raver Looking for a Change This Festival Season Should Visit Amsterdam’s Dekmantel Festival
Ben UFO closing the Loop stage on Dekmantel’s opening night
For British ravers craving an alternative to muddy fields and overcrowded tents, Dekmantel Festival in Amsterdam is a true game-changer. Nestled in the serene Amsterdam Bos, this genre-pushing electronic festival offers an experience that is as musically forward-thinking as it is effortlessly cool.
Unlike the mainstream UK festival circuit, Dekmantel prioritises innovation over commercial appeal, curating a line-up that blends underground legends, cutting-edge selectors, and boundary-pushing live acts. This year’s edition saw James Blake transform into a club-ready maestro, Jyoty Singh command an electric home crowd, and Joy Orbison take over the main stage with his insane genre defying mixes. From pulsating techno to leftfield electronica, every performance is a deep dive into global dance culture at its finest.
Beyond its impeccable line-ups, Dekmantel stands out for its breathtaking staging and immersive settings. Each stage is uniquely designed to elevate the experience, from UFO-like lighting rigs to a greenhouse-inspired structure that seamlessly blends music with nature. The festival’s attention to detail extends beyond sound, crafting an atmosphere that feels like stepping into the future of electronic music events.
Jyoty shutting down the Radar stage for her homecoming show as hundreds of ravers wait outside to get in.
Despite its reputation as a cultural heavyweight, Dekmantel remains relatively intimate, with just over 15,000 attendees per day. This controlled capacity ensures an unparalleled vibe—no chaotic beer-throwing crowds, just a dedicated community of music lovers immersed in pristine sound systems and stunning visuals. Sustainability is also at the heart of the festival, with multiple thousands of attendees arriving by bike, a spotless festival ground, and a collective respect for the surroundings that is rarely seen at larger events.
The crowd itself is another highlight. Dekmantel is a goldmine for rave fashion, with attendees sporting everything from futuristic metallics to vintage rave tops, yet the atmosphere remains refreshingly free of pretension. There’s no need to dodge lads in full football kits or navigate a sea of bucket hats—just a friendly, open-minded audience united by their love of underground dance music.
That said, no festival is without its trade-offs. Unlike Glastonbury or Boomtown, Dekmantel has no camping, meaning accommodation in Amsterdam can be pricey, and you miss out on the communal festival experience that comes with spending an entire weekend in a field. For some, that’s a drawback; for others, it’s exactly why Dekmantel is so appealing. There’s no morning wake-up call from a rowdy tent neighbour belting out football chants—just the smooth transition from city to festival, without the chaos of a traditional camping setup.
And to add to the appeal, Dekmantel doubles as the perfect European city break with the festival being just a 25 minute bike ride away from the famous city. So, for British ravers seeking something fresh, refined, and deeply immersive, Dekmantel isn’t just a festival—it’s a revelation. This summer, I’d recommend skipping the predictable and experience an event where music, crowd, and setting align in perfect harmony.
