A massive fire ripped through “The Orbyz Mainstage” at the Tomorrowland Belgium venue on July 16th, just days before the world-renowned electronic music festival was set to open its gates. While no injuries have been reported, the iconic stage, a centrepiece of the festival’s annual magic, has been completely destroyed. Despite the devastating setback, organizers have confirmed that Tomorrowland Belgium 2025 will proceed as scheduled from July 18th to July 20th.
Orbyz Mainstage Reduced to Ashes
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday evening, rapidly consumed “The Orbyz Mainstage,” leaving behind a skeletal frame where an elaborate, ice-themed spectacle once stood. In a poignant statement released on their official website, Tomorrowland organizers expressed their profound grief: “The Orbyz Mainstage of Tomorrowland Belgium 2025, a creation born from pure passion, imagination, and dedication, is no more. This wasn’t just a stage. It was a living, breathing world. From the very first sketch on a blank page, to countless hours of conceptual design, artistic collaboration, engineering, crafting, building, every single piece of Orbyz carried part of our soul.”
Approximately 1,000 workers were on site during the incident and were safely evacuated, preventing any casualties.
Tomorrowland Festival Will Proceed as Scheduled
Despite the complete destruction of the mainstage, Tomorrowland organizers have shown remarkable resilience, confirming that the festival will go ahead as planned. “Cancelling never crossed our minds,” stated Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen during a press briefing. This unwavering commitment to their attendees and the “People of Tomorrow” has been widely praised by fans and artists alike.
The festival is set to welcome hundreds of thousands of music enthusiasts from over 200 countries for two weekends of music and magic, with the first weekend kicking off on Friday, July 18th. As scheduled, DreamVille — the on-site camping zone — welcomed attendees on Thursday morning.
Investigation Underway: Cause of Fire Remains Undetermined
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, and local authorities, including the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office, have launched an investigation. While some eyewitnesses reported hearing fireworks shortly before the blaze, and footage showed pyrotechnics exploding within the flames, authorities have yet to confirm if they played a role in igniting the fire. The investigation is classifying the incident as accidental arson.
Firefighters from Boom and neighbouring Antwerp swiftly responded to the scene, preventing the inferno from spreading to adjacent wooded areas and residential neighbourhoods. Local residents were advised to close windows and doors due to smoke hazards.
A Legacy of Innovation and Immersive Experiences
Tomorrowland is renowned globally for its breathtakingly elaborate stage designs and immersive environments, which are integral to the festival experience. Each year, the mainstage tells a unique story, and the “Orbyz” theme for 2025 promised a magical universe made of ice, featuring a hidden community emerging from beneath a melting glacier. The loss of this meticulously crafted structure is a significant blow to the festival’s artistic vision.
The Show Must Go On: A Testament to the Spirit of Tomorrowland
The destruction of “The Orbyz Mainstage” is an unprecedented challenge for Tomorrowland. However, the organizers’ immediate commitment to proceed with the festival showcases their unwavering dedication to the “People of Tomorrow.” As the first weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Boom, Belgium, to witness how Tomorrowland overcomes this setback and delivers another unforgettable experience, even without its beloved mainstage.
