‘Catastrophic’ Fire Destroys Main Stage at Major Festival Just 48 Hours Before It Was Set to Start

Thousands of electronic music fans are left waiting. Tomorrowland, a famous festival in Boom, Belgium, faces a major setback.

Just two days before its opening on July 18, 2025, a fire destroyed the festival’s main stage, leaving organizers and attendees in shock.

Here’s what happened and what it means for the event.

Tomorrowland Fire: A Shocking Blaze

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, flames erupted at the Tomorrowland festival site, engulfing the main stage. The fire started around 6:00 PM local time, with thick black smoke rising into the sky. Videos shared on social media showed the stage, known for its elaborate designs, consumed by flames.

Some witnesses reported hearing fireworks before the blaze, hinting at a possible cause, though officials are still investigating. Thankfully, no one was injured, as the site was not yet open to the public. About 1,000 staff members were on-site, preparing for the festival, and all were safely evacuated.

Firefighters worked hard to control the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes and woodlands.

Festival Plans Move Forward

Despite the loss of the main stage, Tomorrowland organizers are determined to keep the festival going. The event, which attracts around 400,000 people over two weekends, is set to begin as planned on Friday, July 18.

The DreamVille campsite, where many attendees stay, opened on Thursday as scheduled. Organizers are working on solutions to ensure the festival still delivers a great experience. With 15 stages in total, other areas like the Freedom Stage will host performances by major artists such as David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and Charlotte de Witte.

However, the main stage was the centerpiece, and its absence is a big challenge. The festival team has dismissed rumors of cancellation, calling them “fake news,” and is focused on making the event happen.

What This Means for Fans

For fans, the fire is both a disappointment and a test of Tomorrowland’s resilience. The main stage, designed with a unique “Orbyz” theme featuring ice and mythical creatures, took years to create. Its destruction is a blow to the festival’s signature spectacle.

Yet, attendees like a group of friends from Canada remain hopeful. They told CBC News they trust Tomorrowland to find a way forward, even without the main stage.

With hundreds of artists still set to perform, the festival promises to keep its vibrant energy. Local authorities have declared the site safe, but decisions about the damaged

You might also want to read: This Bride and Groom Set Themselves on Fire at Their Wedding