For Marina, who lives just a short distance from Tomorrowland’s iconic Mainstage, the move is a sensible one. “We’re in a green area, and all we’ve been hearing about lately are reports of wildfires,” she said. “From a safety perspective, it’s a good decision, and it’s also better for the animals living nearby.” Another local resident, Kim, echoed those sentiments, admitting she was surprised the restriction was applied to an event of Tomorrowland’s scale. “Tomorrowland usually gets priority for everything, so I didn’t expect it,” she explained. “But I’m happy they decided to ban the fireworks this weekend.”
Not everyone is celebrating, however. Fireworks have long been a defining part of Tomorrowland’s closing ceremonies, helping to create the larger-than-life atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Belgian festival. Attendee Sophie Heylen is among those who will feel the absence. “It’s understandable, especially after last year’s major fire, but it’s still a shame,” she said. “A friend who is going with me messaged me as soon as the news came out. Part of the magic disappears a little.”
The nearby Kleine Steylen riding school also welcomed the decision due to the dry conditions, although owner Nathalie Claes noted that her horses have become accustomed to the festival after years of operating next door. “We’ve always been prepared for it,” Claes explained. “Volunteers help us during the festival and the horses are brought indoors when fireworks are scheduled.” She admitted she will still miss the annual display, adding: “It’s always a beautiful spectacle. We usually sit together on the terrace and enjoy watching it.”
While the absence of fireworks may alter one of Tomorrowland’s most recognisable moments, the festival’s organisers still have plenty planned across sixteen stages, with the biggest names in electronic music set to perform throughout both weekends. Whether the missing pyrotechnics will impact the overall experience remains to be seen, but for now, safety has firmly taken priority over spectacle.
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