Raging Fire Erupts at Tomorrowland Electronic Dance Music Event in Belgium
The Tomorrowland festival in Belgium faced a significant challenge when a fire engulfed its main stage just one day before the 2025 event was due to begin. The fire is believed to have been sparked by pyrotechnics during a test, with highly flammable stage materials contributing to the rapid spread[1][4].
Despite fears of cancellation, the festival went ahead on July 18 after a new, smaller main stage was rapidly constructed overnight using staging elements from Metallica’s M72 World Tour[1][3][5]. The replacement stage, while smaller than the original, allowed the festival to continue as planned, with headliners like Martin Garrix performing on the new stage[1][3][4].
The Belgian authorities, including the Antwerp Public Prosecutor's Office, are investigating possible errors in the storage and handling of fireworks that may have contributed to the fire. An email from the Belgian Ministry of Economy mentioned three breaches related to fireworks storage now under scrutiny[2].
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the fire or the rapid rebuild[4]. The festival's campsite, which was set to open on July 17, did so as planned[6]. Additionally, no other parts of the festival venue, stages, or areas were impacted by the fire[1].
Residents of Boom, the town close to Antwerp where Tomorrowland takes place, were advised to close their windows and doors to avoid smoke inhalation[1].
Tomorrowland, which was founded in 2005, is one of Europe's biggest celebrations of techno and dance music, attracting up to 400,000 guests[7]. Despite the setback, the festival managed a remarkable recovery, maintaining its schedule and lineup[1][3][5]. The official investigation into the fire's cause continues, focusing on fireworks storage protocols and pyrotechnic testing practices.
[1] https://www.residentadvisor.net/news/580643 [2] https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/07/17/tomorrowland-onderzoekt-in-brussel-na-brand-op-festival [3] https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2023/07/18/1144378512/tomorrowland-festival-belgium-fire-main-stage [4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65166358 [5] https://www.billboard.com/pro/tomorrowland-rebuilds-main-stage-after-fire-breaks-out-one-day-before-festival-starts-12351880/ [6] https://www.tomorrowland.com/news/tomorrowland-2025-campsite-opens-today [7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomorrowland_(festival)
- Despite the unexpected incident involving a fire in the main stage, social media was abuzz with updates about Tomorrowland's successful continuation the following day, thanks to a swift reconstruction of a smaller stage and unwavering performances by headliners like Martin Garrix.
- As the official investigation into the origin of the fire continues, concerns about the storage and handling of fireworks, which could have played a role in the fire, are being examined by the Belgian authorities, with an email from the Ministry of Economy revealing three breaches now under scrutiny.
