Festival at Tomorrowland commences, amid the remains of the charred main stage
Just days before the scheduled opening of the Tomorrowland electronic dance music festival in Boom, Belgium, on July 18, 2025, a significant fire broke out on the main stage[1]. The blaze, which produced thick plumes of black smoke and large flames, occurred during final preparations[1]. Witnesses also reported hearing what sounded like fireworks during the incident[2].
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it is confirmed that the materials used on the main stage were highly flammable due to being mostly made of wood[3]. Thankfully, despite the dramatic scale of the event, there were no reported injuries[1].
The main stage, with its artistic design and mountain scenery, has been largely destroyed[4]. However, the festival’s onsite camping area, DreamVille, was not impacted and was set to open as planned on July 17[1]. All city-based events in Brussels and Antwerp scheduled before the festival continued as planned[1].
Festival organisers have issued a public statement, confirming their focus on finding alternative solutions for the festival weekend and promising timely updates as plans develop[1]. While the main stage’s usability is in doubt, several actions are being taken or are likely in progress:
- Teams are evaluating the extent of damage to determine which areas can be restored or rebuilt in the short term[5]. - Organisers are exploring options such as relocating performances to alternative stages, adjusting set times, or using temporary structures if reconstruction is not feasible[5]. - Attendees are being kept informed through official channels, especially as new logistics or refund details become available[5]. - Headline acts, local authorities, and safety professionals are being consulted to ensure a safe, viable festival experience under the altered circumstances[5]. - The incident will likely prompt a review of fire safety and emergency response procedures for current and future festivals[5].
As of mid-July 2025, Tomorrowland organisers have emphasised their commitment to salvaging the event, prioritising attendee safety and experience[1]. Festival access will open at 2:00 PM instead of 12:00 PM on Friday. From Saturday onwards, the entire festival area is expected to be open for all visitors and all ticket types at 12:00 PM[6].
Artists originally scheduled to perform on the main stage on Friday will perform on the "Gathering Stage" in "DreamVille." The Tomorrowland electronic festival will proceed as planned on Friday despite a fire on the main stage[6]. No other parts of the festival grounds, stages, or areas were affected, according to organisers[6].
Organisers are working on two different scenarios for the weekend, ensuring that the festival will be a memorable experience for all attendees, even without the main stage. The Tomorrowland electronic festival, one of the largest electronic music festivals worldwide, with several hundred thousand visitors, is set to proceed as planned.
- Despite the fire incident on the main stage at the Tomorrowland electronic dance music festival, festivals organizers are focusing on finding alternative solutions to ensure the event proceeds, with artists from the main stage moving to the "Gathering Stage" in "DreamVille."
- In the wake of the fire at the Tomorrowland music festival, general-news reports have stated that the festival organizers are reviewing fire safety and emergency response procedures for future events, all while exploring options such as relocating performances to alternative stages or using temporary structures.
