Defqon. 1 has been cancelled after the controversial music festival was rocked by deaths of a man and woman who died from suspected drug overdoses.

The festival made the announcement on Thursday afternoon, explaining they were unable to find a suitable location for the event.

'Unfortunately the Sydney International Regatta Centre and its affiliates have withdrawn their support for the event,' festival organisers said in a statement.

'Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to secure a suitable replacement venue for the event to take place this September.'

Defqon. 1 thanked its loyal fans who have attended the festival over the past decade, despite the controversy.

Defqon 1 has been cancelled after the controversial music festival was rocked by deaths of a man and woman who died from suspected drug overdoses

'To our fans, Ambassadors, and everyone else that has contributed to the incredible memories we created for the past 10 years: from the depths of our orange heart we would like to thank all of you for your ongoing support, dedication, and for creating the most epic family imaginable.'

The festival said they would endeavour to find a suitable alternative location but are 'uncertain if and when' it will return.

Revellers were encouraged to fly overseas to enjoy to one of the 15 countries which will host the hardstyle festival this year.

Devastated revellers flooded Defqon. 1's Facebook page to remember the hardcore techno dance festival.

'Is a sad day and the end of an era the friends and family and memory's created will live in our hearts,' one person said.

'This is actually devastating... For someone who loves music and the atmosphere, it's frustrating that it is being taken away more and more. Festivals aren't the issue here,' said another.

Other festivalgoers suggested moving the event to a different city could be a viable solution.

'Melbourne is the obvious solution, Sydney sucked from the moment they introduced lock out laws,' one person wrote.

'Couldn't have it in another state rather than the most boring state in Australia when it comes to festivals and nightlife?' another suggested.

Meanwhile, Defqon.1 was rocked by two deaths in Sydney's western suburbs last year.

The festival made the announcement on Thursday afternoon, explaining they were unable to find a suitable location for the event

Defqon. 1 thanked its loyal fans who have attended the festival over the past decade, despite the controversy

Emergency services were called to the music festival in Penrith, at 9pm on Saturday September 15, after a man, 23, and woman, 21, collapsed.

The pair were both taken to Nepean Hospital where they died a short time later.

About 700 revellers in the 30,000-strong crowd required medical attention at the event.

In the wake of the 'absolutely tragic' deaths, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian vowed to end the festival.

'I never want to see this event held in Sydney or New South Wales ever again — we will do everything we can to shut this down,' she said at the time.

'I don't want to see this ever happen again — young lives lost for no reason.'

She later backtracked and clarified the festival would not continue in its current form.

Defqon. 1 organisers released a statement at the time in relation to the deaths.

Defqon.1 was rocked by two deaths in Sydney's western suburbs last year. About 700 revellers in the 30,000-strong crowd required medical attention at the event (pictured)

'The organisers of Defqon.1 Australia are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of two of their patrons at Nepean Hospital after attending the festival last night and would like to convey their sincerest condolences to their families and friends.'

'Thoughts and prayers are also with the young man and woman who are still in a critical condition. We are disappointed at the number of reported drug related incidents, we have a zero-tolerance policy in relation to drug use at the festival.'

'Festival organisers are working closely and cooperating with the authorities regarding the fatalities and the number of medical presentations made during the evening, a full investigation is currently underway. As this is a matter with the NSW Police and the coroner and out of respect for the families and friends we are not going to speculate on the cause of death and we will not be making any further statements or comments,' the statement read.

The Sydney International Regatta Centre, which has been the site for the Australian dance party since 2010, announced in September it would no longer host Defqon. 1.

There have been tragedies at the same festival in past years. In both 2013 and 2015 men in their 20s died while attending Defqon.1.

In February, the State Government announced tougher regulations for music festivals that are deemed 'high risk' for drug-related deaths.

The Sydney International Regatta Centre, which has been the site for the Australian dance party since 2010, announced in September it would no longer host Defqon. 1

Some of the industry's biggest names claimed the government was 'killing' live music in New South Wales with excessive regulation and 'exorbitant bills' for extra policing.

Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the changes followed consultation with music festival operators and key stakeholders and, so far, only 14 festivals will be impacted, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The festivals deemed high risk are: Ultra Australia

Laneway

Defqon.1

Days Like This

Transmission

FOMO

Electric Gardens

Up Down Hardcore Till I Die

Subsonic

This That

Knockout Games of Destiny

Lost Paradise

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'The NSW government wants music festivals to thrive but serious drug related illnesses and deaths have demonstrated that we need to help make a small number of them safer,' Mr Toole said.

'We will continue to work with operators of higher risk festivals to ensure they have appropriate safety arrangements in place, and can comply with the new licensing scheme.'

The announcement came after thousands of people rallied in Hyde Park, Sydney, to protest against the regulations.

An open letter to Ms Berejiklian from the Don't Kill Live Music rally, titled 'music lovers, your music is under attack', called for the government convene a music roundtable to review regulation affecting live music.

'Overbearing regulation, exorbitant police bills, a lack of respect for NSW businesses, and very little recognition of the significant positive impacts of music on our communities is forcing music out of NSW,' the open letter read.

'The state government has declared a war on music and culture in NSW, proclaiming that music and music festivals are high-risk activities.'