Dockyard Festival Unveils Ambitious ADE 10th Anniversary Edition

Amsterdam’s secretive techno gem enters the spotlight with a star-studded warehouse event.

Dockyard Festival has been the Netherlands’ best-kept electronic music secret for a decade. Now, it’s ready for its global debut.

Organizers have announced a special edition to mark their 10th anniversary. The Dockyard Warehouse Festival will take place on 19 October at Hembrugterrain, just outside Amsterdam.

This isn’t your typical nostalgia-fuelled celebration. Promoters Coen van Dongen and Tania Davison are focused squarely on the future.

We wanted to showcase where Dockyard, and techno itself, is heading – van Dongen told us. – This line-up represents the cutting edge of electronic music.

Four stages will host a who’s who of established names and rising stars. It’s a bold statement of intent from a festival ready to claim its place on the international circuit.

The stages: HE.SHE.THEY, ARTBAT with UPPERGROUND and more

British collective HE.SHE.THEY are curating one of the main stages. Their ethos of inclusivity and musical exploration aligns perfectly with Dockyard’s vision.

Their line-up is focused on techno’s diversity. Tunisian DJ Cera Khin will bring her signature blend of Industrial and Middle Eastern influences. Canadian rapper-turned-DJ Chippy Nonstop promises a high-energy set spanning genres.

Two intriguing back-to-back sets highlight HE.SHE.THEY’s knack for unexpected pairings. DANZA TRIBALE label head ADRIEL will go up against Grace Dahl, resident DJ at Amsterdam’s revered Vault Sessions parties.

But it’s the pairing of Dax J and SPFDJ that’s generating the most buzz. Dax J’s hard-hitting style meets SPFDJ’s “utterly ruthless” approach. It’s a combination that promises to push boundaries.

Ukrainian duo ARTBAT are hosting their own stage, bringing their UPPERGROUND concept to Dutch soil. It’s a coup for Dockyard, as ARTBAT’s immersive audiovisual shows have become legendary in techno circles.

Joining them is Danish DJ Kölsch, known for his emotive, melody-driven take on the genre. Rising stars Olympe and Fred Lenix round out a stage that balances accessibility with underground credibility.

Q: What’s Dockyard Warehouse Festival 2024?

A: Dockyard Warehouse Festival 2024 is a special 10th-anniversary edition of Amsterdam’s underground techno event, happening on October 19th at Hembrugterrain. It features four stages of cutting-edge electronic music, hosting 15,000 attendees in a former ammunition factory. The festival showcases both established acts like ARTBAT and Kölsch, alongside emerging talents. This edition marks Dockyard’s evolution from a local secret to an international event during the Amsterdam Dance Event, focusing on the future of techno while maintaining its commitment to inclusivity and underground roots.

The official Warehouse stage is where the Dockyard flexes its talent-spotting muscles. Effy, fresh from a career-defining Boiler Room set, leads a line-up of next-generation headliners.

Emily Nash, recently crowned BBC Radio 1’s “Future Star“, will showcase the sounds that earned her that title. Partiboi69, the Australian DJ turned viral sensation, adds an element of unpredictability to proceedings.

For those craving techno’s darker side, the Laboratory stage delivers in spades. Dutch modular synth wizard Colin Benders headlines, bringing his improvised electronic soundscapes to the industrial setting.

A series of back-to-back sets promise to push the boundaries of experimental techno. Berghain resident Fadi Mohem pairs with Brazilian veteran The Lady Machine, while Belgium’s Phara faces off against Rotterdam’s Stranger.

This potent mix of established names and fresh talent has industry insiders taking notice. Sarah McBriar, founder of Belfast’s AVA Festival, sees it as a significant moment.

Dockyard has always had a reputation among DJs as a ‘proper’ techno event – McBriar says. – This line-up shows they’re ready to compete on a global scale.

More about the Dockyard Festival at ADE 2024 and its inclusivity

The festival’s setting is as carefully considered as its musical offerings. Hembrugterrain, a former ammunition factory, provides a raw, industrial backdrop perfectly suited to techno’s aesthetic.

With a capacity of 15,000, it’s a major step up for Dockyard. But van Dongen is confident they can maintain the festival’s intimate feel.

We’ve designed the space to create pockets of discovery – he explains. Even with a bigger crowd, you’ll still have those magical moments of stumbling upon your new favourite DJ.

Dockyard’s commitment to inclusivity is woven throughout the event. The festival has partnered with local LGBTQ+ organizations to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees.

Techno has always been about bringing people together – says Davison. – We want Dockyard to be a place where everyone feels free to express themselves.

As Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) continues to grow, events like Dockyard play a crucial role. They offer an alternative to the more commercial side of dance music, keeping the underground spirit alive.

ADE can feel overwhelming, – admits Sandrien, a respected figure in Amsterdam’s techno scene. – Dockyard gives you that pure, no-frills techno experience. It’s exactly what the festival needs.”

With its ambitious line-up and forward-thinking approach, Dockyard Warehouse Festival looks set to make a splash. It’s a coming-out party for one of Europe’s most intriguing electronic music events.

For a decade, Dockyard has been the Netherlands’ best-kept secret. Come October, the rest of the world will be in on it too. Tickets are on sale now.

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