A Warm Welcome!
Jeroen Van Lievenoogen
ORGANIZER DARKLANDS
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
Fifteen years… When I think back to where we started, it’s overwhelming. Darklands began as an idea to create a space where kinky men like myself could connect with other men. Over the years, it’s grown into something unimaginable: a community, a movement and a home for so many. And through it all, one thing has remained at the heart of everything we do: the people who make this community what it is.
Darklands is about visibility, expression and celebrating who we are. But more than anything, it’s about connection. It’s about offering a safe space where you can let go of fear, where you’ll find others who respect you for who you truly are. Darklands must also be about well-being in both body and mind, offering answers to questions needed to kink responsibly.Â
I’ve witnessed so much in these fifteen years: the joy, the evolution, the small moments that remind me why I do this. But I’ve seen the challenges too. We’re not invincible. Our community is powerful but vulnerable at the same time. In a world where exclusion and division are on the rise, we show that fostering unity and understanding is essential, proving what’s possible when we stand united.
This year’s edition is a celebration of everything we’ve built together. It’s a reflection of the strength we’ve found in each other and it’s another reminder that the story of Darklands is not just mine, it’s a journey we all share. If this is your first visit, I’m sure you will feel the warmth of a family that’s been waiting to welcome you. And to those who return year after year: you are the heartbeat of Darklands itself and I am endlessly grateful for your belief in everything we’ve built together.
It’s a privilege to contribute to something that holds so much meaning for so many and to be a part of this extraordinary story.
Jurgen
MISTER LEATHER BELGIUM 2024
As the first weekend of March approaches, thousands of people who will soon come to Antwerp for Darklands Festival. This annual gathering isn’t just an event; it’s a place that pulses with connection, acceptance, and the spirit of community. Darklands is where love, tolerance, and self-expression come together.Â
Imagine a space where people from all corners of the globe—each with their own unique stories, identities, and experiences—come together to celebrate who they are without reservation or fear.Â
Darklands Festival serves as a vibrant sanctuary of acceptance where friendships are born and bonds are strengthened. In a world that can sometimes feel divisive, this event is a powerful reminder of the beauty found in embracing differences.
It’s a place where people find common ground and shared dreams.
The festival’s ethos reminds us of the vital importance of being seen and heard—of knowing that you belong, no matter how unconventional you may feel in the outside world.Â
In a world that often struggles with understanding and acceptance, Darklands Festival offers a statement: that diversity is not only beautiful but essential.Â
It’s a reminder that in the end, what unites us is far more powerful than anything that divides us.
Jamal
MR INTERNATIONAL LEATHER 2025
🌟 My 1st time at Darklands 2024 blew me away! 🌟 It was one of the first significant events that inspired me even more to run for the IML title. Darklands provides a safe space for everyone to explore, learn, celebrate, and be entertained.
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I am extremely excited and honored to be returning to the next Darklands as a member of the Mr. Belgium Leather jury. During my time at Darklands, I was able to meet some of my closest IML brothers for the first time, which was truly special.
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Darklands is an event where I can let all my fetishes set free—from leather and rubber to sportswear and sneakers. I will continue to promote Darklands as a must-go-to event. It will change your life! 🎉🖤
Alastair
MR FETISH WORLD 2024
This year will mark my 5th visit to Darklands. I first discovered Darklands festival in 2018 and immediately fell in love. My proudest moment took place last year at Darklands, where I was elected as the titleholder of Mr Fetish World 2024. Taking part in the competition during the event was such an amazing experience and gave me a completely different view of the festival. I was there every day rehearsing and competing on stage and had the opportunity and privilege to meet so many different people, who shared theirselves and their experience of fetish with pride. It truly was an inspiration and to be given the opportunity to hold the title – truly life changing. This year I will return to the contest again, with a different view once again and the honour to help and support the next Mr Fetish World.Â
Why Darklands is such a special place to me? I discovered it early on in my fetish journey, I found for the first time a sense of belonging, a sense of home. It became a holiday from my home, where for one week I could be authentically myself. I could dress as I wished I could every day, I could do the things I wish I could spend my life doing. As my life progressed and I now express my authentic self in my everyday life, it has become a celebration of that.Â
This is why I love Darklands so much. There are so many different people, from different walks of life, with different interests and different fetishes, coming together in huge numbers and expressing the truest version of theirselves. There is a hugely special unity in that.
Thank you for the lifelong friends I’ve made, the connections I’ve made, the things I’ve learned. If I hadn’t taken the opportunity to visit for the first time with an open mind and curiosity, I might not have otherwise.Â
See you at Darklands in 2025 and many future years to come!
TIO
MR FETISH EUROPE 2025
My journey into my fetish life began at a somewhat later age, with a party here and some experimentation there. But it wasn’t until I walked into the hangar of the Waagnatie during the Darklands Leather Pride in 2017 that I discovered a whole community behind the parties I was familiar with.Â
Like a child in a candy store, I looked around; what I was seeing was so incredible: leather men everywhere, latex boys, skins, puppies. To be honest, I had no idea how to interact with those puppies. I just kept looking for a ball to throw, hoping they would chase after it. Now, some of my best friends are puppies. Sometimes you just have to look into the world behind the puppy mask to understand new fetishes.
It felt like stepping into a warm bath, fully immersing myself in something that brought me intense joy. For the first time in my life, I knew where I belonged… here in the, no, my fetish scene.Â
All kinds of different fetishes, types, and ages all together. This is how it’s supposed to be. Events like this, no matter how big or small, are incredibly important for our community. Without them, we have no place to meet each other, we cannot work on our scene, and we cannot feel, hear, or smell one another. Without Darklands, I might not have discovered my community. I am so grateful for that, and I know many of you are too.
So take a moment during Darklands to pause. Look around you and let it sink in. Here, you meet, play and experience your fetish and maybe discover a whole new one, I know I did. And that is something to be thankful for.
RUSH
MIR 28 (MR. INTERNATIONAL RUBBER #28)
Have you ever wondered what Darklands is really like? It’s a question that’s hard to nail down since there is truly nothing else like it in the world! Last year, I had the thrill of attending as Mr. San Francisco Rubber, and I can’t wait to experience Darklands again in 2025 as MIR 28. Let me give you a glimpse into one of the most electrifying and unique kinky events you will ever encounter.
From the moment you arrive, the energy is palpable; you’re in the world’s Capital of Kink for the weekend. People from all corners of the globe unite in Antwerp to celebrate their passions and embrace their fetishes. Whether you are diving into deep conversations, discovering new interests, or simply reveling in your favorite fetishes, you will immerse yourself in a safe environment where connection thrives, and consent is embraced.
Each day of Darklands is curated for your enjoyment and free from pressure. With master classes spanning various kinks, a vibrant market for gear, and an assortment of restaurants and bars, there are endless opportunities to engage. You can explore and find a social gathering, witness a contest, or dance to the captivating beats of a DJ at one of the many parties. There is ample space to play and fully indulge in your desires.
By the end of this fantasy-become-reality, you will have reunited with old friendships and forged new connections, explored your kinks and ventured into new realms of self-discovery. All of this will lead to a deeper, richer understanding of your own kinky self—get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
PINE
EUROPEAN BOOTBLACK 2024
Darklands is astonishing! Being BBE has been an honor and a challenge. With only UK competitors in the last 3 competitions, my focus has been on encouraging European bootblacks. Darklands’ support allowed me to teach in Stockholm, where I met aspiring bootblacks, and to connect at Folsom with new German, French, and Austrian bootblacks, fostered by the first BBE, Karlheinz. They have done so much with the Southern German Bootblack Collective to create a warm, supportive, energetic (!) community.
BBE has always been a stepping stone for bootblack and Leather leadership and I’m delighted that Jak The Littlest Bootblack, BBE 22, is now running for IML 25. As he says, bootblacks are at the heart of Leather communities and leatherpeople in their own right. I can’t wait to see the impact he has!Â
For my part, I encourage all bootblacks to come to Darklands, to compete and be celebrated. Let’s make this a truly European competition!
James
MR. SUPERHERO INTERNATIONAL 2024
Darklands – where Superheros clad in bold spandex, leather dudes in snappy chaps, and femboys dolled up in teeny-tiny skirts can easily become fast friends; where new kinksters are welcomed-in warmly if they confidently say hello; and where online friends can finally meet and form lasting bonds that extend far beyond the event. How do I know? This was my experience forging a new group of friends within the first hours of arriving in Antwerp in 2023.
Expand your boundaries in the many contests, demonstrations, workshops, and socials throughout the event such as the Mr International Superhero Fetish contest! In our community, we are most often campy, goofy, chaotic, and fun. Adding an important element of self expression and lighthearted entertainment to the kink world, I try to be a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously and to always be yourself – heroically!
Whether you take fetish seriously or casually – or are still figuring it out – step out of your comfort zone with the most creative kinksters around. Be sexual, be sensual, be silly, and most importantly, be SUPER!
Astra
EUROPEAN PUPPY 2024
There is no other place in the world that inspires and delights the way that Darklands does. It is like standing at the crossroads of Fetish Culture and Expression.
My Darklands adventure began 5 years ago in 2020. From the anticipation of approaching the Waagnatie Expo centre for the first time, to the tearful goodbyes at the closing ceremony I was absolutly captivated. The variety of fantasies on display, the oppertunities to explore, and the warmth of the people makes this festival so special, and with every visit my eyes have been opened to endless possibilities for what being a Puppy and Fetishman means to me.
Whether dancing at “Camp as Feck” Bingo with the Leathermen, Howling my heart out on stage, or rummaging through the ballpit at Camp K9, Darklands has made me feel like part of the fabric. And on the festivals 15th anniversary is an immense pleasure and honour that I get to celebrate this milestone with you all as the European Puppy.
On that note, I look forward to seeing you all Glow at Darklands 2025!
Go raibh mĂle maith agat, agus slán go foill. Awroooooo!!!
ALPHA KERBEROS
EUROPEAN HANDLER 2024
Darklands has always been the highlight of the year for me. It’s like one weekend of vacation. Where I could be what I am and how I feel. Either as handler, puppy or drone/gimp.
My first Darklands when I first participated at the European puppy and handler contest was the best weekend of this year. I met so many people made new friends. Darklands is magical. You can be who or what you want, no one is judging you for being you and you will meet more people who are like you.
Last year when I became European Handler it was just a blast. Overwhelming. I knew people and had a schedule to meet them but to be fair it’s impossible to catch the schedule you will always meet someone on the way from one point to the other.
The best part for me is the bar area and the vendor market – you just need to have a strict limit because you will find something you want to have. Enjoy this event as the best vacation from your normal life in on a kinky island where you don’t need to be ashamed of your fetishes and kinks.