The main stage at Belgium’s Tomorrowland festival has suffered significant fire damage, with the blaze still raging at the time of reporting. Emergency services are on-site attempting to extinguish the flames, while fireworks were also reported, adding to the chaotic scene. A thick plume of smoke is visible above the festival grounds, although the cause of the fire remains unclear.
Approximately 1,000 staff members were present preparing for the festival, which was scheduled to kick off this Friday. There is currently no information regarding any injuries. Nearby residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke.
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the fire may have originated from issues with the pyrotechnic setups at the main stage, which often conclude the acts with a fireworks display. Each year, the main stage’s design changes, tailored to the festival’s theme. The current structure, which is now damaged, has been in development since 2023, involving 35 artists from ten different countries. After the festival, it was intended for transport to Brazil for the local version of Tomorrowland.
Tomorrowland is a prominent dance festival that spans two weekends, from July 18-20 and July 25-27, attracting around 400,000 attendees, including many from the Netherlands. Dutch DJ Martin Garrix was scheduled to perform as a closing act on the main stage this Friday, followed by another Dutch artist, Nicky Romero, on Saturday evening.
As the festival community comes together in the face of this unexpected event, there remains hope that the spirit of Tomorrowland will shine through and that a safe resolution will be found quickly. The festival team’s resilience and creativity can potentially still yield a meaningful experience for attendees in light of the setbacks.