SOME FACTS
PRESENTATION
In 2011, Distortion suddenly became a flagship event for Copenhagen as a modern city and for Scandinavia’s progressive society, with over 130.000 people attending (an estimated 10-12% coming from abroad) – making it one of the largest annual art/music/street celebrations in Europe.
Distortion is a carnival-type event with an anything-goes attitude. Most events are free and open-sourced to over a hundred “street hosts” – that’s over one hundred distinct street parties in 5 days.
At night, Distortion strives to present Europa’s newest and wildest party/lifestyle/club culture heroes, where the main influences come from Paris, Berlin, London, New York and of course Copenhagen.
We try to balance our identity and values on being 50% from Copenhagen / 50% from Old Europe.
NUMBERS
DISTORTION 2011 – 157+ dancefloors – 285.000 visits (approx. 130.000+ humans)
DISTORTION 2010 – 88+ dancefloors – 93.850 visits (approx. 40.000+ humans)
DISTORTION 2009 – 66+ dancefloors – 39.950 visits (approx. 16.000+ humans)
DISTORTION 2008 – 56 dancefloors – 31.600 visits (approx. 13.500+ humans)
DISTORTION 2007 – 37 dancefloors – 14.800 visits (approx. 6.500+ humans)
DISTORTION 2006 – 28 dancefloors – 8.900 visits (approx. 4.000+ humans)
DISTORTION 01>05 – 16>21 dancefloors – 4.500>6.500 visits / approx. 3.000+ humans
DISTORTION 2000 – 13 dancefloors – 3.700 visits / approx. 1.800+ humans
HISTORY
“Distortion – a Celebration of Copenhagen Nightlife”, was founded in 1998 as a one-day celebration of anything fun and new in Copenhagen’s rising club life.
In 2000, Distortion became a five-day mobile party, rolling through one Copenhagen neighbourhood each day.
The Distortion dates are set by the Final Party, which always takes place on the first Saturday of June.
In 2003-2007, the small free pre-parties (which then had 50-200 people) in the streets became increasingly popular, but Distortion was still mainly a “nightlife” festival.
Until 2007, Distortion was a just-for-fun no-budget party, (dis)organized by Thomas Fleurquin (tak lars) while he was Guide Editor for The Copenhagen Post.
In 2008, we established a professional organisation (Nus/Nus ApS) and Distortion quickly became a gigantic fest.
In 2012, we are establishing “La Fondation Distortion” to become a public service festival.
ARTISTIC MISSION
“Celebrating Copenhagen Street Life and Modern Party Culture” is the official motto.
Distortion is also about the beauty of chaos (in French “le gros bordel”), about breaking personal and social boundaries, and about letting people lose control in an orgasmic blend of animal instincts and human conscience.
The greatest art of it all would be to create a healthy business model based on chaos, generosity and fun.
Behind all the arts & culture & society crap: Distortion is just a party – we want you to forget who you are and where you are – and to feel touched by the magic finger of Freedom.
WEATHER
We had great weather in 2000, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011. Since 2000, that’s a 41% probability for a week full of sunshine & heat.
We had really shit weather in 2001 and 2005. That gives a 16% chance for a windy & rainy week.
Other years – that’s 43% since 2000: we’ve had average Scandinavian June weather = 15-21 deg.(Celsius), high clouds, little rain.
These are our own statistics. You might get a more serious forecast from Yr or DMI.
ORGANISATION
Distortion is run by Nus/Nus
Distortion was founded and is owned by Human Office
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[video=vimeo;25023230]http://vimeo.com/25023230[/video]
