Tomorrowland Festival Opens with Rebuilt Stage After Fire

The renowned Tomorrowland music festival commenced on July 18, 2023, in Antwerp, Belgium, featuring a newly constructed main stage less than 48 hours after a fire destroyed the original setup. Organisers announced that the new stage represents an “alternative setup” to replace the beloved main stage, which was engulfed in flames on July 16. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.

In a statement, the festival organisers expressed their determination, saying, “Our teams are working day and night, with heart and soul, to turn the impossible into reality. Tomorrowland will unite, stronger than ever!”

New Stage and Festival Experience

Local media captured footage of crowds entering the festival grounds in Boom, near Antwerp, with fire and police officials granting clearance for the rebuilt stage to open at 16:00, two hours after the rest of the festival, which includes 16 stages. The rebuilt main stage, while smaller, is designed to create a more intimate atmosphere for attendees. Festival spokeswoman Debby Wilmsen noted, “It’s a new concept; the artists will be very close to the audience, in a more intimate way.”

The original stage, known for its spectacular design featuring a frozen fairytale theme, included snow-covered castles and a towering ice lion. Videos of the fire that devastated the structure quickly went viral on social media, highlighting the dramatic turn of events just before the festival’s opening.

Despite the setback, organisers expect nearly 400,000 attendees over the two-weekend festival, which showcases prominent electronic acts such as David Guetta, Lost Frequencies, and Charlotte de Witte. Since its inception 20 years ago by two Flemish brothers, Tomorrowland has evolved into one of the largest electronic music festivals globally.

Future Plans for Tomorrowland

Looking ahead, the festival will also return to Brazil in October and is set to host a winter edition in Alpe d’Huez, France. The swift reconstruction of the main stage reflects the resilience and dedication of the Tomorrowland team, ensuring that the festival continues its legacy while adapting to unexpected challenges.

As the festival unfolds, the spirit of unity and celebration remains at the forefront, with attendees and artists alike eager to embrace this year’s unique experience.