Tomorrowland Banned from Using Fireworks During Weekend 1

Belgian authorities have prohibited Tomorrowland from using fireworks or pyrotechnics during the festival's first weekend, which runs July 17–19 in Boom, Belgium. The decision was made by the mayors of Boom and Rumst together with the provincial governor on advice from the fire brigade.

Drought Conditions Drive Ban

Municipal officials cited ongoing drought conditions and environmental concerns as the reason for the ban. The area operates under a color-coded scheme for drought and fire risk. Code orange indicates high fire risk and allows local authorities to make determinations about fireworks and pyrotechnics. Code red triggers an automatic ban.

By default, Tomorrowland should be permitted to use fireworks under code orange conditions, but the mayors made the call to prohibit them regardless. Prior to the ban, Tomorrowland had already committed to not using large shell fireworks. Now stage fireworks will be banned for the first weekend as well. The festival cannot use drones as an alternative due to regulations related to proximity to an airport.

Festival Organizers Express Disappointment

Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen expressed disappointment that the festival was not consulted before the decision was handed down. "The fireworks are an important part of the festival," Wilmsen said. "We are also very sorry that we had to hear this through the media and that there has been no consultation with us as an organization, and with the experts who are responsible for the fireworks at our festival."

Heightened Safety Scrutiny After 2025 Fire

The fireworks decision follows increased attention on festival safety after the 2025 Tomorrowland Mainstage fire, which occurred during final setup just days before the event opened. Although the festival ultimately proceeded after an extraordinary rebuild, the incident prompted extensive reviews of safety procedures ahead of the 2026 edition. Earlier this year, Tomorrowland received clearance from an independent safety review commissioned following the fire.

The decision is reportedly final for Weekend 1 regardless of what happens between now and Friday. Weekend 2 will be determined later. The announcement comes during a busy week for the festival, which recently unveiled its official livestream schedule and a partnership with Apple Music to broadcast live audio from six stages through Club Live.