

Tomorrowland Festival 2025 officially opened its gates on Friday, just two days after a massive fire destroyed its mainstage. Despite the dramatic setback, organizers and crew worked tirelessly to salvage the beloved electronic music event, welcoming tens of thousands of eager fans from around the globe.
A Festival Against the Odds
On Wednesday evening, a fire broke out at the original mainstage site, reducing its intricate structure to scorched debris and putting one of Europe’s biggest summer festivals at risk. But thanks to around-the-clock efforts, a scaled-down replacement stage was completed in time for the festival’s scheduled launch.
Australian electronic duo NERVO had the honor of opening the event, shouting “We made it!” as they took the stage—just slightly behind schedule. Charred framework from the original design remained visible behind them, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced in the days leading up to the festival.
A Stripped-Down Stage, But the Same Tomorrowland Spirit
The new mainstage is described as “very intimate” by Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen, who confirmed that high-quality Metallica-grade speakers were used to enhance the stripped-back setup. Despite its minimalist appearance, the energy from both performers and fans was electric.
“We really tried our best,” Wilmsen said. “It’s all about unity. With the good vibes and positive energy our festivalgoers share—and the music we offer—I think they’ll still have a great time.”
Festival-Goers Stay Loyal Despite Setback
More than 38,000 people were already camping on-site by Friday, with total attendance for the weekend expected to surpass 400,000. While a few attendees reportedly requested refunds, organizers say it was only a small percentage, with the overwhelming majority choosing to stay and celebrate.
Australian fans Zak Hiscock and Brooke Antoniou, who had traveled across the world to attend Tomorrowland as part of their European holiday, were among those stunned by the news of the fire. “We were having dinner when we heard about it. We were shattered,” Hiscock said. “But to see it still happening—it’s incredible.”
The Show Goes On
Despite the adversity, Tomorrowland 2025 is off to a powerful start. The flames may have threatened the festival, but the spirit of dance music, unity, and resilience has carried it forward. With a revised mainstage and thousands of fans bringing the energy, the festival’s message is loud and clear: the show must—and will—go on.