Against All Odds: How Tomorrowland Rebuilt the Mainstage in Just 36 Hours

Just 48 hours before the grand opening of Tomorrowland 2025 in Boom, Belgium, disaster struck. A massive fire broke out during final testing at the mainstage, reportedly sparked during a fireworks setup. Within moments, the entire “Orbyz” stage was engulfed and ultimately destroyed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the heart of one of the world’s most iconic music festivals was gone just two days before opening.

A True Race Against Time

With over 400,000 attendees expected across both weekends, the Tomorrowland production team faced an unthinkable challenge. In just 36 hours, crews worked around the clock to clear the debris, secure the site, and construct an entirely new mainstage from the ground up. While the replacement stage was simpler in design, it was equipped with all necessary sound, lighting, and effects to deliver a world-class experience.

Festival Opens (Almost) On Time

Despite the chaos, the festival opened nearly on schedule only two hours behind. The energy was electric as the crowd gathered in front of the new stage. Australian DJ duo Nervo kicked off the weekend, setting the tone for what became a celebration not only of music, but of human resilience and determination.

Organizers reported that only a small number of ticket holders requested refunds. The overwhelming majority stood in full support, showing immense appreciation for the monumental effort that went into salvaging the festival.

A Story of Resilience

Tomorrowland 2025 will be remembered not just for its artists and music, but for the extraordinary recovery behind the scenes. The ability to turn a devastating fire into a triumphant return within just 36 hours is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and spirit of the Tomorrowland team.