Just one day before opening, Tomorrowland 2025’s main stage was destroyed by fire, Organizers confirm the festival will continue as scheduled.
Tomorrowland’s biggest setback yet came just one day before the party officially kicked off.
On Wednesday, July 16, the festival’s awe-inspiring main stage went up in flames, engulfing its massive steel framework and elaborate lighting rigs in a matter of minutes. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and organizers confirmed that all festival and campsite activities would still go ahead as planned.
Footage shared by Belgian news outlet VRT NWS shows towering flames and thick black smoke pouring from the 147-meter-high, 524-meter-wide stage.
Designed by world-renowned set builders, the spectacle was supposed to feature over 2,120 environmental effects, including 65 water fountains and even two cascading waterfalls. Instead, it became a smoldering ruin by the end of the afternoon.
In an Instagram statement, Tomorrowland organizers reassured ticket holders that DreamVille—the on-site camping village—would open on Thursday, July 17, just like clockwork.
All Global Journey events in Brussels and Antwerp will also proceed without interruption, they added. “We are focused on finding solutions for the festival weekend (Friday – Saturday – Sunday). More updates and detailed information will be communicated as soon as possible,” the post read.
Local authorities have cleared the area around the main stage to let investigators do their work. Police spokesperson Joris Van Camp warned residents and campers to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut if they’re bothered by smoke. “People’s safety is our top priority,” he said.
“It was surreal,” one camper told VRT NWS. “One moment we were setting up our tents, the next we saw flames shooting up where our favorite DJs were supposed to play.”
Despite the setback, Tomorrowland’s 19th edition is far from canceled. The weekend lineup still boasts heavy hitters like Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, David Guetta, Hardwell, Nervo, John Summit, Fisher, Amelie Lens, Alok, Agents of Time, Miss Monique, and The Blessed Madonna, among others.
Organizers are already exploring alternative stage designs and pop-up venues around Boom, Belgium, aiming to deliver the same unforgettable experience that has made Tomorrowland a global phenomenon.
