Qlimax

Qlimax
The laser show during Qlimax
Genre	Hardstyle, Hardcore, Hardhouse, Hard trance, Subground
Location(s)	Netherlands
Years active	2000-present
Founded by	Q-dance
Website
Q-dance Website

Qlimax is an annual event held by the Dutch event organizer, Q-dance. It is considered one of the leading hardstyle events, attracting nearly 30,000 people annually. It's a major attraction of Q-dance and contains some of the most sophisticated production and setup, as well as sound system for any event.

In the beginning, Qlimax used to have several editions every year. But since 2004, it was changed to be held annually in the third or fourth week of November. At first it was held at the Beursgebouw (Eindhoven) and then moved to various other venues such as the SilverDome (Zoetermeer) and Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam), but has made its home at the Gelredome (Arnhem).

Many artists consider being chosen to play at Qlimax a highlight as the event is used to showcase the most successful artists in their respective genre. The beginning saw the lineup featuring genres ranging from Hardhouse to Techno. This was changed to traditionally begin with one Hardtrance act, numerous Hardstyle acts and then finish off with one Hardcore/Gabber act. This was changed in 2008 with the removal of the Jumpstyle act and in 2009 with the replacement of the Hardtrance act to one playing early Hardstyle.

The sound, light, pyro and stage setup at Qlimax is substantial. Around 350 L'Acoustics speaker boxes are deployed in the arena, with a majority being suspended from the ceiling. The conventional part of the lighting setup is controlled from 3 light desks, and the laser show is done by a certified laser show operator. FOH is placed out in the crowd, giving the technicians the overview they need, as well as the sound coverage needed to ensure everyone is having the best possible sound at all times.

Like most of the Q-dance events, an anthem is made every year by the headlining DJ (with the exception of 2001 and 2002) to represent that edition. Below is a list of the anthems for each edition:

Dutch Anthems