A young DJ, obsessed with a sound, goes in search of a place where their music can truly belong. Not just another club night or a half-hearted slot on a lineup, but a space built around a shared obsession for Drum & Bass and Dubstep.
When the existing nightlife no longer offers that sense of belonging, the only option is to build it yourself. What starts as a search for somewhere to play becomes the foundation of a community: a home for a scene that felt undeserved, created through instinct, conviction, and a willingness to take risks.
The first edition drew a thousand people. A year later, that number had grown to six thousand, cementing Rampage as a defining force within the Drum & Bass and Dubstep scene almost overnight. What began as an outlet for a small community quickly evolved into something far bigger: a festival that would go on to shape the culture around it.
Four summer days, 20,000 attendees, and a legacy built by many hands as the ‘biggest party of its kind in the universe’. And we aren't the ones saying it; the community is.
Seventeen years on, the festival continues to grow without losing sight of the vision that first brought it to life. We sat down with Murdock to uncover what makes Rampage the biggest festival of its kind and break down exactly why it belongs at the very top of your bucket list this summer.
A playground built for diehard fans
Located in Kristalpark Lommel, Belgium, when you’re deep in the crowd at Rampage, you can feel that it was designed by people who actually spend time on the dancefloor. The production isn't just ‘high-end,’ it’s immersive.
We’re talking about a level of detail where your comfort is as important as the sound quality. Think of a clean festival site, seven stages with a massive roster of artists, zero queues for toilets and bars, and a diverse range of food and facilities, including rollercoasters and a swimming pool.
“We pride ourselves on presenting a festival that allows visitors to have the most comfortable possible festival experience.” says Murdock
It’s a world-class playground where the rough-and-ready energy of a rave meets the smooth experience of a premium festival. The team obsesses over the layout and every last detail, so that you don't have to worry about anything except which stage to head to next.
The D&B crystal ball: finding your new favourite artist
One of the coolest things about Rampage is that the team hasn't just mastered the ability to create an outstanding lineup – featuring heavyweights like Hedex, Eksman, Slander, Nghtmre, and Sub Focus – they actually shape the future of the scene. It’s like entering a hidden land of promising talent.
“(...) the hardest and the funnest part is figuring out who we should get to get people excited a year from now”.
The booking team works like scouts, hunting for emerging artists up to 18 months in advance. But they aren't just looking for names that sell tickets, they’re looking for the artists who will define the next decade of D&B music.
“I think SASASAS is a very good example. They played Rampage in 2014 or something like that, and then, they really exploded all over the world and played some of the biggest festivals just based on the live stream that we recorded that night. And that has millions of views by now.”
By balancing these newcomers with global icons, the festival has become a tastemaker. You’ll see the legends you love, but you’ll also discover your new obsession. At Rampage, you aren't just hearing the hits; you're hearing the future.
Creating space for the scene to grow
Speaking about the future, settling down is definitely not in Rampage’s DNA. This year, they celebrate a new milestone with the introduction of a massive new main stage. Rampage is set to deliver an innovative open-air experience, highlighting their commitment to a seamless event with top-edge production.
“It helps us make the production stand out. It helps protect everyone from the elements. You know, if the sun is beating down, right. Or there is rain, or it is windy. It's good to have everything slightly indoors, but still enough room outdoors to give the open-air feel. But this year for the first time, we have a proper open-air main stage. So that's very exciting.”
This new structural sanctuary is designed to host top-tier artists, and the goal is clear: to keep promoting discovery and hosting the D&B heavyweights the community loves. Top of the wishlist? Skrillex. But regardless of the lineup, one thing is certain: Rampage will continue to be the place to build lifelong connections in a high-energy atmosphere devoted to music.
“It draws people that are really there for the music, and that makes them feel the community... There are people that met each other there, then got engaged and even got married.”
The tribe is waiting. Welcome to Rampage!
That original spark – the young DJ just looking for a place to play – is still the heartbeat of every decision made today. From scouting the next global superstar months in advance to building a premium playground, everything is done for the diehard D&B fans.
Because when the pyrotechnics fade and the speakers finally go quiet, the infrastructure alone isn't what you’ll remember. You’ll remember the friends you made in the pit, the artist you discovered unexpectedly, and the feeling of belonging to the ‘biggest party in the universe’.
Are you ready to join the tribe? Check the Rampage event page on TicketSwap to buy and sell tickets.
