Belgium's music fest reopens after fire
Belgium's Tomorrowland, one of the world's largest electronic music festivals, opened its doors as planned on Friday, after the event was thrown into doubt by a fire that destroyed its main stage, reports AFP.
Organisers said an "alternative setup" was put in place to replace the "beloved main stage" that went up in flames on Wednesday.
The causes of the blaze were not yet clear.
"Our teams are working day and night, with heart and soul, to turn the impossible into reality," they said in a statement. "Tomorrowland will unite, stronger than ever!"
Local television footage showed hundreds of festival-goers filing past the gates at the site in Boom, near Antwerp in the early afternoon.
Around 400,000 people are expected to attend over two weekends, with scores of DJs including David Guetta, Lost Frequencies and Charlotte de Witte scheduled to perform.
Images of the blaze circulated widely on social media, showing flames tearing apart the impressive set design depicting a frozen fairytale kingdom, with a giant ice-covered lion, castles and snow peaks.
The new main stage — a smaller structure — was erected in less than 48 hours.
After fire authorities and the police deemed it safe, it was due to open on Friday at 4PM (1400 GMT), two hours after the rest of the festival, which has another 15 stages.
"It's a new concept, the artists will be very close to the audience, in a more intimate way," Debby Wilmsen, a spokeswoman for the event, told reporters.
Tomorrowland was founded 20 years ago by two Flemish brothers in a country that pioneered the genre.
The festival relocates to Brazil in October, and a winter edition is held every year in the Alpe d'Huez ski resort in France.
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Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Belgium's music fest reopens after fire
New stage was erected in under 48 hours. Photo: AFP Belgium's Tomorrowland, one of the world's largest electronic music festivals, opened its doors as planned on Friday, after the event was thrown into doubt by a fire that destroyed its main stage, reports AFP. Organisers said an "alternative setup" was put in place to replace the "beloved main stage" that went up in flames on Wednesday. The causes of the blaze were not yet clear. "Our teams are working day and night, with heart and soul, to turn the impossible into reality," they said in a statement. "Tomorrowland will unite, stronger than ever!" Local television footage showed hundreds of festival-goers filing past the gates at the site in Boom, near Antwerp in the early afternoon. Around 400,000 people are expected to attend over two weekends, with scores of DJs including David Guetta, Lost Frequencies and Charlotte de Witte scheduled to perform. Images of the blaze circulated widely on social media, showing flames tearing apart the impressive set design depicting a frozen fairytale kingdom, with a giant ice-covered lion, castles and snow peaks. The new main stage — a smaller structure — was erected in less than 48 hours. After fire authorities and the police deemed it safe, it was due to open on Friday at 4PM (1400 GMT), two hours after the rest of the festival, which has another 15 stages. "It's a new concept, the artists will be very close to the audience, in a more intimate way," Debby Wilmsen, a spokeswoman for the event, told reporters. Tomorrowland was founded 20 years ago by two Flemish brothers in a country that pioneered the genre. The festival relocates to Brazil in October, and a winter edition is held every year in the Alpe d'Huez ski resort in France.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
France pulls festival funding over Kneecap
A town that hosts one of France's biggest pop festivals announced Wednesday that it was withdrawing its subsidy to the event because controversial Irish rappers Kneecap had been booked to play. As per AFP, British police are investigating Kneecap's lead singer under a terror offence after he was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert last year. The Lebanese militant group is banned in Britain. Police said they are also investigating videos allegedly showing calls for the death of British lawmakers. The Paris suburb of Saint Cloud approved a 40,000 euro ($46,500) subsidy this year for the Rock En Seine festival that last year attracted 180,000 people over four days. The town council said the money had been agreed before the lineup was announced. Kneecap are to appear at the event on August 24. Saint Cloud said its council had now voted to withdraw the subsidy. A statement said the town "finances, within its means, a cultural and artistic project. On the other hand it does not finance political action, nor demands, and even less calls to violence, such as calls to kill lawmakers, whatever their nationality." The town said it respects the festival's "freedom" to decide its lineup and had not sought "any kind of negotiation with the aim of influencing the programme". Kneecap have been taken off the bill for festivals in Scotland and Germany this year because of the controversy. The group have said they are committed to the Palestinian cause but have denied any terrorism connection. Singer Liam O'Hanna, who appears under the name Mo Chara, has condemned the charges against him as political. O'Hanna is to appear in court again four days before the Rock En Seine show.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Tomorrowland continues as planned despite main stage fire
Tomorrowland will move forward as planned this weekend, despite a fire that destroyed its main stage on Wednesday, July 16. Festival spokesperson Debby Wilmsen confirmed that no one was injured and that the preparations are continuing. 'There are no casualties,' Wilmsen said. 'The employees are all safe and can continue with the Tomorrowland preparations.' While the main stage—the festival's iconic focal point—was lost in the blaze, organizers insist the event will go on. 'There's a lot of fake news going around,' Wilmsen noted. 'But we're definitely expecting 38,000 visitors at the Dreamville campsite tomorrow. They're looking forward to it, and we're looking forward to it. We're going to give them a warm welcome.' She added that while the main stage won't be part of the festival, plans are in motion to adjust accordingly, though no details have been shared yet. The fire broke out at the Boom, Belgium site where roughly 1,000 workers were present. All were evacuated safely, and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains unclear. Witnesses described hearing fireworks, and some sources suggest it may have started during a test of fireworks cannons, though this has not been officially confirmed. Thick smoke and strong winds reportedly contributed to the spread of the flames. Authorities have advised locals to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services access. All events scheduled for Thursday at Dreamville and in Brussels will continue without interruption. The main festival is still set to begin Friday, with more than 100,000 attendees expected over the weekend. Belgian DJ Charlotte De Witte was slated to open and close the main stage on Saturday, though organizers have not yet announced how the program will be adjusted. Further updates are expected soon.
