Tomorrowland Hit with Last-Minute Fireworks Ban Over Wildfire Risk

Drought Conditions Force Safety Restrictions

The mayors of Boom and Rumst, along with Antwerp Province governor Cathy Berx, announced the fireworks ban this week following a safety meeting with fire officials. The restriction covers both the De Schorre recreational park in Boom, where the festival takes place, and the neighboring Dreamville campsite in Rumst. Belgium's fire risk index currently places the region under code orange, the second-highest alert level, indicating conditions dry enough to pose serious danger.

The ban applies to Tomorrowland's first weekend, running July 17-19, with the possibility of extending to the second weekend depending on conditions. Rumst mayor Jurgen Callaerts said the decision came quickly. "There was actually little discussion during the meeting with the security services, the fire department and the governor," he said in a statement, noting that the assessment was unlikely to change before the festival begins.

Festival Organizers Say They Were Left in the Dark

Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen said organizers first learned of the ban through news reports rather than direct communication from local authorities. Neither the festival's team nor their pyrotechnic specialists were consulted before the decision was made. Wilmsen called the lack of communication "very regrettable" and noted that drone displays are not a viable alternative because the festival grounds sit too close to a nearby airport for legal drone operation.

"The fireworks are an important part of the festival," Wilmsen said.

Heightened Sensitivity After 2025 Mainstage Fire

The ban comes a year after a catastrophic fire destroyed Tomorrowland's Orbyz mainstage just 48 hours before the 2025 festival. Local reports this week claimed an accidental ethanol leak by a subcontractor was to blame for the destruction of the enormous stage, which had taken two years to build. The incident has made this year's safety precautions especially sensitive for organizers working to reassure fans and local residents.

Officials said the heat and dry conditions are not expected to otherwise disrupt the festival. A final coordination meeting involving all security agencies is scheduled for Thursday morning, two days before the opening weekend begins.