The first weekend of the festival, described as a “wild” beginning, concluded with a performance by renowned French DJ David Guetta, celebrating “love, unity, and unforgettable moments.”
Two days before the official start on July 16, the main stage of the iconic Belgian festival, themed this year as a magical ice world, was engulfed in flames. The fire completely destroyed a massive structure measuring 45 meters in height and 160 meters in width, featuring over 2,000 atmospheric elements including lights, pyrotechnics, water fountains, and cascades.
The main stage of the electronic music event was destroyed due to a fire. The organizers revealed that work continued through the night to ensure the event doors opened this morning.
Andrea Pinto | 11:48 – 17/07/2025
Following this incident, which resulted in no injuries and whose causes remain unknown, organizers vowed to resolve the main stage issue. In 48 hours, they constructed an alternative structure, more technologically advanced and approximately one-third the size of the original, measuring eight meters high and 70 meters wide, in front of the old ruins.
This adaptation allowed the festival to proceed as scheduled.
While it remains unclear whether this temporary structure will be retained for the upcoming weekend or if an attempt will be made to recreate the original stage, it is likely that the same arrangement will be maintained.
Despite the festival’s resurgence from the fire, other incidents marred the previous weekend. A 35-year-old Canadian woman died on Friday evening under unknown circumstances, although drug use is suspected, according to the police and local media.
Local authorities intercepted 10 drug traffickers and 180 drug users at the Tomorrowland site, imposing fines totaling 45,900 euros.
Additionally, two Israeli men were detained and later released after interrogation for displaying their unit’s flag. They are members of the Israeli army, accused of war crimes and genocide in Gaza.
A 27-year-old Belgian man was arrested on suspicion of rape in the Tomorrowland campsite.
This year’s festival edition, themed “Orbyz,” evokes a world of ice teeming with mythical creatures and ancient secrets. It commenced in 2005 and unfolds across a space equivalent to 63 football fields, following a 53-day setup.
Approximately 200,000 people from over 200 nationalities are expected over the two weekends in Boom to witness performances from more than 850 DJs across 16 stages.
The lineup includes 14 Brazilian DJs, reflecting the significant Brazilian presence, bolstered by the São Paulo edition of the festival in autumn. Other participants hail from Portuguese-speaking countries, alongside a strong showing by Belgian and American DJs, according to the organizers.
Some prominent DJs include Portugal’s Diego Miranda and international stars such as Amelie Lens, Armin van Buuren, Bob Sinclar, Charlotte de Witte, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hardwell, John Summit, Lost Frequencies, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, and Swedish House Mafia.
Among the Brazilian DJs are Alok, Anna, Vintage Culture, and Zerb.
The festival, often dubbed the “Disneyland for adults,” has been sold out for several months.
