An iconic music festival has had to pull the plug on this weekend's action at the last moment after an unprecedented weather warning19:31, 26 Jun 2026Updated 19:38, 26 Jun 2026Festival goers have been left gutted after a major player on the dance music calendar was cancelled at the last minute due to unprecedented weather warnings. Bosses of the iconic Defqon.1 festival were left with no other choice but the pull the plug on this year's festival in the Netherlands at the last minute, despite thousands of fans already at the venue.‌An extreme heat warning in the country meant that organisers of the world's largest hard dance festival, which is popular with Brits, had to move fast to ensure the safety of those in attendance. It was decided that a complete cancellation was the only option.‌The weather warning is the first of its kind in the country and had been sent out yesterday by the Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). It prompted organisers to cancel the remaining days of the event, despite thousands already being at the location.‌In a statement the festival organisers said on Thursday, which was the opening night of the weekend's activities: "We are absolutely devastated by this development."They described it as "a blow felt on every level", with the decision coming under 24 hours after it had been confirmed that weekend ticket holders would be the only people with access due to the weather. This meant anyone with a day ticket for the Friday and/or Saturday could no longer attend.‌The organisers said the initial tough decision had been made on the recommendations of local authorities. Speaking to their "warriors" about the cancellation, the festival said: "The unthinkable has happened."Defqon.1 has been cancelled for the remainder of the weekend. Effective on Friday June 26th, the Holy Grounds will close their gates."The statement went on: "Today, we received the news that the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has issued a code red warning due to extreme heat for at least the next 24 hours.‌"This is the first time the Netherlands has ever issued a code red warning because of high temperatures. Together with the authorities, we are therefore forced to cancel the remaining days of Defqon.1."We are absolutely devastated by this development. Tens of thousands of dedicated Weekend Warriors are currently staying on the Camping Grounds, many of whom have travelled far and prepared for this weekend for months. Asking them to return home tomorrow is the worst-case scenario, especially with a fully operational festival and everything in place to welcome them."This is a blow felt on every level. Not only by our visitors, but also by the artists, crew, creatives and everyone else who has worked tirelessly over the past year to bring this edition to life."The organisers continued to explain the plans they had put in place to ensure the safety of all those already on the ground, insisting they know nobody had planned for these rare moments. The statement continued: "On Friday, the Camping Grounds and part of the Festival Grounds will remain open, without musical programming but with all essential facilities available."This gives you the time to make arrangements for your journey home on Friday, June 26th. We’ll be there every step of the way. For now, we urge you to rest and prepare for the journey tomorrow."Article continues belowOffering a refund on tickets and potential additional compensation, the statement concluded: "This is not the journey we imagined, and the reality has barely sunk in. Nevertheless, it is our duty to take care of you. That is our sacred oath. Forever One Tribe. Q-dance"Defqon.1 is the world's leading hardstyle and harder styles music festival. It is hosted annually by Q-dance at Walibi Holland in Biddinghuizen and spans four days. Each year attracts over 250,000 visitors from over 100 countries.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.