UP IN FLAMES Tomorrowland chaos after huge fire breaks out on main stage a DAY before festival is due to startTomorrowland have released an official statement amid fears the entire event could be cancelled
A DEVASTATING fire has engulfed the main stage at one of Europe\’s biggest music festivals.
A frantic operation has been launched to deal with the towering inferno which has left Tomorrowland in Belgium “severely damaged”.
7At least three-quarters of the spectacular set piece is said to have been decimatedCredit: X
7A billowing plume of smoke could be seen coming from the festival\’s main stageCredit: X
Footage shows the huge main stage up in flames as thick black clouds of smoke billow into the air over the town of Boom, which sits between Antwerp and Brussels.
At least three-quarters of the spectacular set piece is said to have been decimated.
The major dance festival is due to begin on Thursday with tens of thousands of campers arriving throughout the day.
The main stage was due to be used for the first time on Friday – leaving organisers little time to repair the severely damaged stage.
Some of the world\’s most popular DJs were due to take to the stage, including Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Fisher, Swedish House Mafiaand Steve Aoki.
The official cause of the fire is still unknown but witnesses reported hearing fireworks going off as the flames started to engulf the left side of the stage.
Dozens of emergency teams rushed over to the festival grounds just after 6pm to try and extinguish the flames and evacuate those inside.
No members of public were at the festival at the time but around 1,000 staff members were working at the site.
Around 400,000 festival goers from across the globe are expected to attend across two weekends.
But the fire has now raised fears that the entire event could be cancelled.
7The spectacular set piece which took around a year to design and createCredit: X/henri_luigi
7Nearby residents have been urged to close all windows and doors until the fire is completely under controlCredit: X
7Around 400,000 festival goers from across the globe attend across the festival each yearCredit: AFP
Tomorrowland spokeswoman Debby Wilmsen told daily newspaper Der Telegraaf on Wednesday evening that the festival\’s main stage was still on fire.
She added: “Emergency services are on site. Our top priority now is safety.”Nearby residents have been urged to close all windows and doors until the fire is completely under control.
Tomorrowland issued a major update on the festival earlier this evening.
They said: “Due to a serious incident and fire on the Tomorrowland Mainstage, our beloved Mainstage has been severely damaged.
“We can confirm that no one was injured during the incident.
“We can announce that, DreamVille will open tomorrow as planned and will be ready for all DreamVille visitors.
“All Global Journey activities in Brussels and Antwerp will take place as planned.
“We are focused on finding solutions for the festival weekend.”
They assured festival goers that they will issue any further updates as soon as possible.
Back in 2017, the festival was forced to evacuate over 22,000 people after another major fire erupted.
Crowds fled Barcelona\’s Tomorrowland Unite festival just hours before Steve Aoki was set to headline the event.
What is Tomorrowland?
TOMORROW is a globally renowned electronic dance music festival held annually in Boom, Belgium.
It features performances by some of the world\’s top DJs and artists, showcasing a wide range of electronic music.
The festival is famous for its elaborate stage designs, immersive experiences, and vibrant atmosphere.
Tomorrowland began in 2005 after being created by Belgian brothers Manu and Michiel Beers.
It has gone on to be one of Europe\’s largest festivals, attracting around 400,000 guests from over 200 countries.
It also features DreamVille which is the festival\’s glamorous camping arena.
Due to its popularity, Tomorrowland has even expanded to put on events across globe.
These include TomorrowWorld, Tomorrowland Brasil, and Tomorrowland Winter in the French Alps.
7Back in 2017, the festival was forced to evacuate over 22,000 people after another major fire eruptedCredit: X
