Boom / Antwerp, Belgium – July 16, 2025 – A major fire broke out on Wednesday evening on the grounds of the globally renowned Tomorrowland music festival in the Belgian town of Boom, near Antwerp. The festival’s iconic main stage was completely destroyed by flames—just two days before the first weekend was scheduled to begin. G Business reports, citing VRT NWS, NU.nl.
Fire on July 16 – Cause Possibly Linked to Pyrotechnics
According to VRT.be, loud firework sounds were heard shortly before the flames erupted at around 6:30 PM on Wednesday, July 16. Multiple sources report the fire may have been caused by a pyrotechnic test during setup.
Firefighters rushed to the scene, but it took hours to bring the blaze under control. Footage shows the entire stage structure engulfed in flames. Belgian outlet HLN.be reports that the fire even threatened to spread to a nearby wooded area, prompting a BE-Alert (official national emergency alert) to be issued to local residents. While the smoke was confirmed non-toxic, citizens were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Over 1,000 Workers on Site – No Injuries Reported
At the time of the fire, roughly 1,000 crew members were on-site preparing for the event. According to emergency services, no injuries were reported.
The festival was expected to kick off on Friday, July 18, and run over two weekends:
- July 18–20, 2025
- July 25–27, 2025
Organizers have not yet issued an official statement. It remains unclear if the festival will proceed as planned or be delayed due to the destruction of its primary performance area.
Tomorrowland: Belgium’s Cultural Export and Global Festival Icon
Founded in 2005, Tomorrowland has grown into one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals, attracting over 400,000 visitors from more than 200 countries each year. The event is held annually in Boom and is known for its elaborate stage designs, immersive themes, and world-class DJ lineups.
The 2025 edition of the main stage was designed by 35 artists from ten countries, featuring intricate structures built over months of preparation. Just last month, DJ Mag awarded Tomorrowland the title of “Best Dance Festival in the World”—for the fifth consecutive year.
What's Next for the Festival
As of July 16, no information has been provided regarding potential postponement, downsizing, or relocation. Emergency crews are continuing assessments on-site.
Whether a replacement stage can be built in time or if alternative plans are in place remains unknown. Tens of thousands of ticket holders from around the globe await updates from organizers.
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