Dive into our 2026 theme: CTRL//BREAK
Now that 2026 is officially underway, one thing is unmistakable: this year’s theme, CTRL//BREAK, marks a bold new chapter for the DGTL experience. To unpack the idea behind the concept, we spoke with DGTL’s Brand Manager, Tessa Ponjée, who has been steering the creative vision for this next evolution.
“CTRL//BREAK is about disrupting old patterns and building new systems,” Tessa explains. “It’s about taking control, challenging the status quo, and reimagining what’s possible — not only on the festival floor, but in how we approach technology, sustainability, and artistic innovation.”
Innovation has always been at the heart of DGTL, and CTRL//BREAK brings that philosophy into sharp focus. “This theme reflects our core values,” she says. “We see festivals as living, breathing ecosystems — almost like small cities — where we can experiment with new ideas, test emerging technologies, and create experiences that feel urgent, relevant, and alive.”
So what does this mean for festival-goers? Expect a shift in energy and storytelling. “Last year’s theme, New Horizons, centred on hope and optimism,” Tessa explains. “With CTRL//BREAK, we’re turning up the volume. It’s less about quiet possibility and more about saying it out loud: the time to act is now.” From language and visual identity to art installations and tech-driven experiences, visitors will feel this message resonate across the entire festival landscape.
When asked how she hopes people feel after experiencing CTRL//BREAK, Tessa says: “Energised, alert, and empowered. We want people to feel connected to the momentum of society, inspired to break through old barriers and motivated to create positive change together.” And if she had to capture the theme in just three words? “Direct, kinetic, and passionate.”
CTRL//BREAK is a conversation starter, a call to action. It’s a mindset that runs through the music, the art, the technology, and the way we bring people together. "We hope it sparks dialogue and movement in a positive, loving way,” Tessa says. “It’s about waking things up and inviting our community to think bigger, dance harder, and innovate together.”
As we step into 2026, we invite you to move forward with us. DGTL remains a space where music, art, technology, and community collide, and CTRL//BREAK is the next chapter we’re excited to explore, together.
