Tomorrowland to go ahead
Tragic events occurred at Tomorrowland 2025 just two days before hundreds of thousands of ravers were scheduled to swarm Boom, Belgium’s fields.
Amid billowing smoke and shattering pyrotechnics, the main stage—Tomorrowland’s hallowed centerpiece, cloaked in secret until opening day—was reduced to a skeletal frame.
The visuals felt catastrophic for an event that promised a beautiful escape: fireworks exploding in dense black clouds, debris showering down on surrounding residences, and the aspirations of innumerable artists and spectators practically igniting.
Would Tomorrowland be able to survive without its pounding heart? The answer would be revealed over the course of the following day.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
6:28 PM – Fire Breaks Out
The fire department receives an emergency call about a fire at the De Schorre estate in Boom, Belgium. The main stage of Tomorrowland catches fire during what sources suggest was a fireworks cannon test gone wrong.
“The fire started near the main stage,” confirms Debby Wilmsen, Tomorrowland spokesperson. “We don’t yet know the exact cause. But our first priority now is to get everyone to safety.”
6:33 PM – Emergency Response Mobilizes
Dozens of fire trucks rush to the scene as the fire spreads rapidly. Footage shows fireworks exploding within the thick black smoke clouds, complicating firefighting efforts. The massive stage structure becomes engulfed in flames within minutes.
6:37 PM – Fire Spreads Beyond Main Stage
The fire extends beyond the main stage area, with reports of a second fire in the adjacent wooded area. A helicopter is dispatched to combat the spreading flames. Local residents report hearing explosions and seeing debris falling in nearby neighborhoods.
7:00 PM – Residents Evacuated
Bosstraat in Boom is partially evacuated as the fire threatens nearby residential areas. A B-alert is issued to local residents, urging them to close windows and doors due to smoke hazards. One resident reports a firework arrow landing on their roof, causing minor damage.
7:30 PM – Drone Footage Reveals Devastation
Aerial footage shows the complete destruction of the main stage structure. The elaborate set design—kept secret until the festival’s official opening—is reduced to a skeletal frame amid continuing explosions from stored fireworks.
8:30 PM – First Official Statement
Tomorrowland organizers hold their first press briefing. Despite the complete destruction of the main stage, they announced the festival will proceed as planned.
“It will be without a main stage, but we’re going to make it a great festival,” says Debby Wilmsen. “Cancelling never crossed our minds.”
9:11 PM – Investigation Launched
The Antwerp public prosecutor’s office opens an investigation into the incident, classifying it as accidental arson. A fire expert is appointed to determine the exact cause and sequence of events.
9:43 PM – DreamVille Campsite Confirmed Open
Sources confirm that DreamVille, the official festival campsite, will open as scheduled despite the main stage destruction. The site expects 38,000 international festival-goers.
10:41 PM – Damage Assessment Begins
LED screen supplier Frank Verstraeten, who provided 4,500 square meters of screens for the festival, estimates damage in the millions. The fire department declares the area safe for work, leaving demolition decisions to the organizers.
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Thursday, July 17, 2025
6:00 AM – Morning Uncertainty
Despite earlier confidence, organizers sound more cautious about the festival’s future. The fire department maintains final authority over safety decisions, with the burned-out stage frame’s stability under review.
6:31 AM – Artists Commitment Reaffirmed
Organizers maintain that all major artists will perform as scheduled, though venue arrangements remain unclear. The festival’s elaborate main stage tradition faces its first major disruption in decades.
8:00 AM – Festival-Goers Begin Arriving
International visitors start arriving at DreamVille campsite, with Brussels continuing to receive festival-goers as planned. The organization emphasizes this remains their only certainty.
8:19 AM – Campsite Opens
The first festival-goers arrive at DreamVille as the campsite officially opens. The festival community begins what organizers promise will be a “very warm welcome” despite the unprecedented circumstances.
9:40 AM – Mainstage Demolition Started
Bulldozers are on the mainstage and have started to remove the remaining part of the mainstage.
3:30 PM – Tomorrowland to go ahead
Sources reported that Tomorrowland will go ahead despite the dramatic fire. “Only the format remains to be determined,” they said. The organizers will announce more details at 6 p.m.
The investigation continues, with authorities and organizers working to determine how a routine fireworks test could lead to such devastating consequences just hours before one of the world’s most anticipated music festivals was set to begin.
This timeline will be updated as more information becomes available.