What is the Tomorrowland fire?
Two days before the famous Tomorrowland festival 2025 is set to commence, a huge raging fire has destroyed the main stage. Described as devastating, the fire has ravaged the full display and equipment, as well as spreading to some nearby woodland. Plumes of black smoke can be seen from all over the town of Boom, where Tomorrowland is held.
The Tomorrowland festival was founded 20 years ago by a pair of Belgian brothers. This is the most devastating event in the festival’s history, a history which has featured acts including Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia and Tiesto. Known for it’s elaborate set design and huge main stage, Tomorrowland is the pinnacle of European dance music events.
With the first of the double weekend set to commence in just a few days, the organisers have announced that the festival will still go ahead. David Guetta and Eric Prydz are still on the set list, but their sets will most likely need to be relocated. Tomorrowland will be without their main stage, but organisers still expect 38,000 people to arrive at the camp site.
Noone was injured or harmed in the fire. With the abundance of fireworks and cannons at the festival main stage, it is assumed their presence either started or worsened the incident. Firefighters quickly moved from attempting to put out the fire to limiting it, as it was such an aggressive blaze.
What can we learn from the Tomorrowland fire?
For festival organisers, the 2025 Tomorrowland fire should come as a stark example of how devastating a fire can be. Event runners should have procedures and risk management strategies in place to reduce the likelihood of a fire.
Fire safety and fire prevention is crucial
Festival organisers should do an accurate and thorough assessment of the fire risks at your event. Most fires are fully preventable. A fire risk assessment includes the same process as a health and safety risk assessment; including identifying hazards, deciding their likelihood, and taking action to eliminate the hazard or minimise the risk.
The HSE have written extensively on the duties of an event organiser. See the HSE’s information here for a list of controlling actions and housekeeping measures.
Key fire safety tips include:
- Keep flammable substances and sources of ignition apart.
- Avoid accidental fire by carefully managing heaters and equipment that gets hot.
- Keep on top of cleaning and avoid piles of rubbish.
- Have the correct fire-fighting equipment ready.
- Allocate fire exits and provide signage.
- Train yourself, staff and volunteers how to use fire-fighting equipment and fire exit procedure.
- Keep exits clear of obstruction.
Could your festival survive a fire?
A large fire has the potential to destroy structures and derail your festival event preparations. Comprehensive event insurance is essential for festivals, effectively covering public liability, employers’ liability, cancellation, equipment, money and adverse weather. Without effective insurance, an incident such as a fire could impact your finances. The equipment and displays features at festivals range into the thousands, so extensive cover is essential.
Learn more about festival insurance with Insure Our Event.
An incident doesn’t always mean closure…
Tomorrowland organisers have announced the festival will go ahead, despite the large derailment. As an event organiser, is good to have a plan B in place, or at least think quickly to ensure customers are delivered with an equally worthwhile experience.
Postponement is always an option, but can be costly. This may affect third party hire costs and suppliers, however effective festival insurance can cover for postponement or abandonment expenses.
