Shock and bewilderment on the day following the tragic main stage blaze
The main stage of the Tomorrowland festival in Boom, northern Belgium, was reduced to a skeleton of scaffolding on Thursday following a devastating fire that occurred approximately 20 hours prior to this report. The blaze, which started on the left side of the big stage, completely ravaged the Disneyland-like decorations, leaving a 160-metre wide and 45-metre high structure in ruins.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. Despite the setback, the festival's management spent the night working on possible solutions to ensure the event could continue, as planned, over the two weekends. The fire did not affect other stages or areas of the festival venue, which covers 34 hectares with 15 other stages.
Marie, a festival-goer, described the incident as "horrible" and "sad," but expressed gladness that the festival could still go ahead. Marie also mentioned that Tomorrowland is like a big family, a sentiment echoed by many attendees. Belgian stars Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, with millions of Instagram followers, posted a message of unity on social media, while DJ Charlotte de Witte, an icon of the electro scene, expressed her heartbreak over the incident.
Created twenty years ago by two Flemish brothers, Tomorrowland has become a reference brand in the electro music universe, a kind of multinational of amplified decibel parties. A winter festival is held each year in the ski resort of Alpe d'Huez, in France, and an edition has also been created in Brazil.
As of the latest updates, the investigation into the fire is ongoing. The Antwerp prosecutor's office announced on Wednesday evening that it had opened an investigation for "involuntary arson," and witnesses mentioned detonations of pyrotechnic devices before the fire, but the cause remains unknown. The festival's organizers are working closely with safety experts and government departments to find a solution, aiming to avoid canceling the event if possible.
Before the fire, some planes chartered for the event had already landed in Belgium, and events planned in Brussels and Antwerp to welcome distant visitors were maintained. Giulio, a festival-goer from Italy, expressed hope that the festival would still go ahead after the fire.
[1] Source: Tomorrowland Press Release, July 17, 2025.
- Despite the unfortunate incident, the management of Tomorrowland is focusing on alternative solutions to ensure the continuation of the event, potentially showcasing various genres of music and arts, reaching a plethora of stages spread across the festival venue.
- Belgian stars, such as Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, have been actively involved in showcasing their support and solidarity for the festival, recognizing its value as a conduit for both music and entertainment, and creating an inclusive community in the arts scene.
