Darklands proudly supports new talent with our annual DJ Contest. This is your chance to take the stage, show us what you’ve got and maybe even join our resident DJ team. Step into the spotlight and let the crowd hear your sound.
We’re thrilled to announce Forbidden Kitty as the winner of the Beyond Darklands 2026 DJ Contest!
Originally from Hungary and now based in Amsterdam, she impressed the jury with her sensual energy, solid mixing and dark, driving track selection. You can catch her live as she opens Fury, the closing party on Sunday, March 8.
Big thanks to all DJs who entered and to our jury William Sizen Bell, Alejandro Alvarez and K-PAXian for their expertise.
To apply, fill out the form below and submit a video of yourself performing a DJ set. You can either upload your video directly (in mp4 or mov format) or include a link to the video online. The video must be no longer than 30 minutes.
Be sure to also upload a recent picture and some background information about yourself.
The deadline for submissions is Sunday, 27 July 2025, at 9:00 AM CEST.
The judges will be looking at various aspects of deejaying to see if you can capture that Darklands vibe that we are looking for.
The deadline for submissions has passed (Sunday, 27 July 2025, at 9:00 AM CEST).
The judges will be looking at various aspects of deejaying to see if you can capture that Darklands vibe that we are looking for.
William Sizen Bell is a Manchester-based DJ known for high-energy progressive house and trance. A regular at queer events like Darklands, he’s built a strong reputation across Europe with uplifting, vocal-driven sets and dynamic performances at clubs, festivals, and parties from Amsterdam to London and beyond.
This Norwegian DJ is known for intense, high-energy sets mixing trance, techno, and progressive house. A standout at queer events, he’s headlined Darklands and played at PIG Berlin, Xtreme! Cologne, and Dublin Leather Weekend. With over 20 years’ experience, he’s earned acclaim for his dark, driving style.
Alejandro Alvarez is a Cologne-based DJ and producer known for techno, tech-house, and progressive sets. A fixture in Europe’s queer and fetish scene, he’s played major events like Darklands and Folsom Europe. His music blends deep grooves and energy, earning him spots at parties in Berlin, Amsterdam, and beyond.
Opening set of Fury, the closing party on Sunday 8 March 2026
An Ultimate Alpha Pass
Expenses (transportation + hotel) covered
Our judges have listened and watched carefully to all of the dj-sets that were submitted for the Darklands 2025 DJ Contest. Like last year scores were high and the very close to one another.
In the top three DJ Kenfuss from Lille has reached first position with 8,6 / 10 points. The judges enjoyed his really cool vibes and nice energy from start to finish. They praised the great introduction, smooth transitions, good presentation and top music choices for the opening set of Sunday’s Fury party at Darklands.
Congratulations to the winner and all contestants are in order!
