House rules

Thunderwood bv, the organizer of Beyond Darklands, and its authorized partners may photograph, film and make audio recordings during the festival for promotional, editorial, documentary, archival and commercial purposes.

By purchasing a ticket and/or entering the festival grounds, you acknowledge and agree that your image, likeness and/or voice may be photographed, filmed or otherwise recorded and may be processed, edited, reproduced, incorporated into other productions, published, distributed, broadcast, licensed and otherwise used by Thunderwood bv, Beyond Darklands and its authorized partners in any media, whether existing now or developed in the future, worldwide and for an unlimited period, without any right to compensation.

Such recordings may be used individually or in combination with other images or recordings and may be shared with broadcasters, production companies, media partners, sponsors, exhibitors, performers, artists and other third parties in connection with Beyond Darklands and its promotion. This includes, but is not limited to, documentaries, television programmes, news reports, promotional videos, aftermovies, livestreams, social media content and other audiovisual productions.

All photographs, video and audio recordings made by or on behalf of Beyond Darklands remain the exclusive property of Thunderwood bv. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you waive any claims arising from the lawful creation, editing, publication, broadcast, distribution, licensing or other use of such recordings in connection with Beyond Darklands and its activities.

Please note that Beyond Darklands is a public event where photography, filming and audio recording take place throughout the festival. While Thunderwood bv cannot guarantee that every individual can be excluded from official recordings, visitors who do not wish to appear are encouraged to avoid areas where official photographers, videographers or camera crews are visibly active.

If you have concerns regarding a specific image or recording published by Beyond Darklands, please contact us at privacy@darklands.com. We will review your request in accordance with applicable privacy legislation. Please note that no rights can be derived from the publication, removal or non-removal of any photograph, video or audio recording, nor does Thunderwood bv guarantee that any specific image or recording can be removed from all media, productions or third-party platforms.

Beyond Darklands uses a cashless system for purchasing food and drinks.

When you arrive at the event, your tickets will be exchanged for a personal wristband (Darkband) with a built-in NFC chip.

This Darkband is your key to entering the festival grounds and purchasing food and drinks.

You can easily top up your balance by scanning the QR code on your Darkband with your smartphone, or with cash at one of the top-up booths on site.

At the end of the festival, refunds for any remaining balance can be requested for a €1 service fee. Scan the QR code on your Darkband between 9 am on Sunday 28 February and 9 am on Sunday 8 March 2027, to request your refund. If you topped up with cash, you will need to provide an IBAN number in order for us to process your refund.

Refunds will be paid back starting Friday 12 March and may take anywhere from a few days up to two weeks, depending on the payment method used.

By not requesting a refund within the stated period, you agree that your remaining balance will automatically be donated to the WR1 Foundation, which supports and strengthens the fetish community.

To keep the darkroom safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone, please follow these guidelines:

• Make yourself familiar with the emergency exits
• Respect each other privacy: no phones, no filming, no pictures
• Wear shoes
• Condoms, lube and gloves are available for free
• Keep the place clean and use the litter bins
• A touch is a way of communication in a darkroom
• NO MEANS NO
• Have fun!

Your Darkband must stay securely on your wrist at all times during the festival. Once applied, it cannot be removed. If you tamper with it or take it off, it becomes invalid and you may be denied entry. Think of it as your personal key to Beyond Darklands. Once it is off, it no longer works.

Darkbands contain an NFC chip and are built for durability and comfort throughout the event.

Once you leave the festival, please show respect to the people of Antwerp who have welcomed us warmly.

Cover your genitals and buttocks and avoid unnecessary nudity in public. It is thanks to the city’s hospitality that Beyond Darklands can happen, so let’s honor that trust.

Filming or posing for attention-grabbing social media content is fine, but not in public spaces. If you’re taking photos near the iconic cranes, follow the same basic rules. Keep it respectful and covered.

Visitors are welcome to capture personal memories for private, non-commercial use, provided they always respect the privacy and consent of others. Do not photograph or film other visitors, performers, exhibitors or staff without their clear permission.

Recording or photographing inside darkrooms is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal from the festival.

Professional or commercial photography, filming, audio recording or any other form of media production, including the use of professional equipment or drones, is not permitted without the prior written consent of Thunderwood bv.

Personal photos, videos and audio recordings may only be be used for private, non-commercial purposes. They may not be sold, licensed, commercially exploited, published by commercial entities or otherwise used for commercial purposes without the prior written permission of Thunderwood bv.

Official photographers, videographers and media crews are present throughout the festival to document Beyond Darklands. If you prefer not to appear in close-up photographs or recordings, simply let them know. While we cannot guarantee that every visitor can be excluded from general crowd images, our media teams will respect reasonable requests whenever possible.

If you have concerns regarding an image or recording published by Beyond Darklands, please contact us at privacy@darklands.com. We will review your request in accordance with applicable privacy legislation. Please note that no rights can be derived from the publication, removal or non-removal of any photograph, video or audio recording, nor does Thunderwood bv guarantee that any specific image or recording can be removed from all media, productions or third-party platforms.

We strive to maintain a welcoming and clutter-free environment for all our attendees as imposed by the venue management. Please refrain from distributing flyers or posters throughout the venue, except at the designated flyer desk near the entrance.

Unauthorised materials will be promptly removed. If you’re interested in promoting your event, we offer a variety of marketing opportunities tailored to suit your needs. Contact info@darklands.com for more information. Take advantage of our complimentary flyer desk service to showcase your event to our audience.

Beyond Darklands enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs. The use, possession or dealing of illegal substances is strictly prohibited on festival grounds. Anyone caught violating this rule will be immediately removed from the event. In serious cases, a ban from both Beyond Darklands and The Boots may follow.

Celebrate responsibly and help us keep the festival safe for everyone.

Respect is the foundation of Beyond Darklands. We bring together a wide range of kink communities and expect all guests to treat one another with kindness, regardless of fetish, identity, or background. Shaming, aggression or any form of disrespect will not be tolerated. Anyone engaging in such behavior may be immediately removed from the event.

In cases involving sexual misconduct, violence or serious offenses, police will be contacted and a permanent ban from the festival grounds (and The Boots) will follow.

Together, we create a safe, inclusive space where everyone can explore and celebrate freely.