Draft:Knockout Outdoor

Knockout Outdoor is an annual hardstyle music festival held in Sydney, Australia. Organized by Hard Styles United (HSU), the event is known for its large-scale production, featuring international and local hardstyle DJs and performers. Since its inception in 2017, Knockout Outdoor has grown to become one of the most anticipated events in the Australian hardstyle calendar. The attendance surpasses 65,000 guests.

Hard Styles United (HSU)
Hard Styles United (HSU) is a prominent event organizer in the Australian hardstyle music scene. Known for their dedication to producing high-quality hardstyle events, HSU has significantly contributed to the genre's popularity in Australia. In addition to Knockout Outdoor, HSU is also responsible for several other major hardstyle events, including:


 * Midnight Mafia: One of HSU's biggest indoor festivals hitting over 20,000 guests annually. Drawing international artists, it is know as being the largest and HSU's flagship indoor event due to its production and immersive storytelling power.


 * HTID: Being one of the world's biggest happy hardcore brand. HTID is one of HSU's most recognisable events primarily focusing on euphoric hardcore and classics.


 * EPIK: EPIK is HSU's masterpiece of production. Having the highest end lasers, lighting and immersive experience.

History
Knockout Outdoor was first held in 2017, emerging as an outdoor counterpart to the already popular indoor event series, Knockout Circuz. The festival quickly gained a reputation for its immersive stage designs, pyrotechnics, and top-tier sound systems, attracting hardstyle enthusiasts from across Australia and beyond.

2017: The Beginning
The inaugural Knockout Outdoor took place in 2017 at the Sydney Showground, featuring a lineup of renowned hardstyle artists. The success of the first event set the stage for future editions, solidifying its place in the festival circuit.

2018–2019: Growing Popularity
In subsequent years, Knockout Outdoor continued to expand, both in terms of attendance and the complexity of its stage production. The festival introduced multiple stages, each catering to different subgenres within hardstyle, such as rawstyle and euphoric hardstyle.

2020: The Pandemic Pause
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition of Knockout Outdoor was canceled, in line with public health guidelines and restrictions on large gatherings.

2021–Present: Return and Expansion
Knockout Outdoor made a triumphant return in 2021 with enhanced safety measures. The festival continued to innovate, incorporating advanced visual effects and interactive elements. The 2023 edition featured its largest lineup to date, with over 50 artists performing across multiple stages.

Venue
Knockout Outdoor is held at the Sydney Showground, a versatile venue capable of accommodating large crowds and elaborate stage setups. The location provides ample space for multiple stages, food and merchandise vendors, and various attractions.

Lineup
The festival's lineup typically includes a mix of international headliners and local talent. Past performers have included prominent names in the hardstyle scene, such as Headhunterz, Wildstylez, Brennan Heart, D-Block & S-te-Fan, and many more.

Experience
Knockout Outdoor is renowned for its high-energy atmosphere and dedicated fanbase. The festival features state-of-the-art sound systems, synchronized light shows, and pyrotechnic displays. Attendees often dress in themed outfits and bring flags representing their favorite artists or countries.