In a New Year’s message, Darklands master Jeroen Van Lievenoogen hints at a postponement of the 2022 edition. Not unrealistic, with the COVID-19 pandemic still very present and the omicron variant a party pooper.

“As we start 2022, it’s obvious that the ‘ongoing’ nature of this pandemic is wearing us out”, Van Lievenoogen says.

“The search for guidance and perspective is challenging. Everyone has an opinion, but it’s rarely substantiated with actual knowledge or insight. This is a most human response and part of our nature. But in our modern connected world, the differences of opinion are reverberating around the planet, creating walls between people who once were friends. And between the echo chambers that are created, silence reigns.”

Perspective

The only certainty is that there will be an end to this ordeal. There will come a day when can be together again. We don’t know when, but it will happen.”

Then Van Lievenoogen cuts to the chase. “We are still working to get ready for Darklands 2022 in the hope that we will be able to reunite there in just a few months. It might be a bit later at another event, or in 2023 if the fates are very unkind. But we will get there. We will come together again. That is carved in stone.

Until that day, stay strong. Keep the faith, remember the love, re-live the madness. Get ready – it will happen.”

May?

Darklands, a mostly gay kink and and fetish pride festival in Antwerp, is scheduled for 4 to 9 May 2022. Heaps of activities are already sold out or close to be sold out. 

But it’s obvious omicron is casting serious doubts on the festivities. Darklands 2020 was ‘the last dance‘ before the first COVID-19 lockdown.  

More on this subject

• Darklands 2022 introduces Puppy Walk through streets of Antwerp.
• Darklands 2022: 4 to 9 May at Waagnatie, Antwerp.
• No Darklands in April 2021, aims for 2022.
• VIDEO | Trailer Darklands 2021 very topical.
• Climate change hits Darklands 2021 – Leather & Fetish Pride Belgium in Antwerp: water to be central theme.