PHOTO CREDIT: Katarina Cvetko
Last weekend marked the fourth annual edition of Big City Beats’ World Club Dome Winter Edition. Known as the ‘biggest club in the world’ the three-day event returned to Merkur Spiel Arena in the German city of Dusseldorf. With 25 ‘clubs’ surrounding the biggest club hall in the world hosting over 100 artists, there was something for everyone at this special winter edition music festival. Here are my favourite things about this festival.
THE VENUE
Held at Merkur Spiel Arena, the 20-floor heated venue was the perfect venue to host the biggest club in the world. The specially designed main stage was located inside the arena whilst seven other smaller stages circled the outer area of the venue, all of which were fully heated. Each outer stage was separated by chill out zones and vendors ranging from merchandise to local and international cuisines which perfectly minimised noise bleeding. Located just a quick train ride from the central station, this venue was not only the perfect size and design but one of the easiest festivals I’ve ever had to commute to.
THE FRONTSTAGE
One of my favourite things about World Club Dome is their main stage setup. Tickets can be purchased in three tiers: Infield, Frontstage, and VIP, where frontstage grants you access to the very front area of the stage. Separating the general admission crowd into two sections allows the frontstage ticket holders to not only be closer to their favourite artists but have plenty of space to dance and move around without crowding.
THE PRODUCTION
With indoor festivals comes indoor production which is the biggest thing I look forward to for these types of events! World Club Dome delivered a quality event with an equally impressive production ranging from laser shows to indoor fireworks and a specially timetabled ‘Welcome Show’ and ‘End Show’ on the first and last day.
THE MUSIC
The three-day event featured over 100 artists ranging from charting DJs to up-and-coming local celebrities. The main stage hosted some of the biggest names in the world including The Chainsmokers, Ingrosso, and even a special live performance from the Black Eyed Peas. The surrounding stages hosted impressive local and international names ranging from hardstyle to house and everything in between. Here are my favourite performances from each day.
DAY 1: LUCAS & STEVE
Dutch duo Lucas & Steve welcomed thousands of fans to the main stage on day one. Known for their unique future house combined tropical sounds, the duo brought back the summer energy to this winter event.
DAY 2: NEELIX
On day two, I discovered Neelix. Drawn in by the impressive laser show, the German progressive trance producer played an impressive deep/psy trance set which had the entire arena wanting more. Drawing inspiration from popular trance and tribal sounds, the artist and producer performed a unique and captivating show.
DAY 3: MARSHMELLO
The final day of the event ended with Marshmello closing the main stage. The American DJ and producer brought his colourful and electric sound across the pond for the night. Combined with his signature colourful visuals and ending the show with his recent release ‘Happier,’ this was the perfect way to end a perfect weekend!
The World’s Biggest Club has officially wrapped up its 2018 run. With events ranging from their signature summer edition, to their Asian expansion and unique exclusive parties on planes, boats, and even zero gravity, 2018 has definitely been one of their most successful years! The first names for the 2019 summer edition have already been announced. Keep up to date with World Club Dome here and see you next year!