Tomorrowland has unveiled its new mainstage, a spectacle of light and sound that marks a new chapter for the world-famous festival. But the opening was bittersweet, as organizers paid tribute to the victims of last year’s fire at the Oxy building. The blaze, which claimed six lives, still haunts the community.
Frank Verstraeten, the festival’s co-founder, delivered a heartfelt speech before the mainstage lights flickered on. He spoke of resilience and remembrance. The crowd stood in silence, a rare moment of pause amid the usual euphoria.
Yet controversy lingers. Tomorrowland held a DJ set at the Oxy building site, where the fire occurred. A local citizen collective called it ‘disrespectful and scandalous.’ The festival defended the act as a tribute, but the debate rages on.
Meanwhile, the festival has imposed a firework ban due to drought and fire risk in De Schorre park. It’s a practical measure, but it also serves as a reminder of the tragedy.
Geert and An, who have attended every edition of Tomorrowland, say they first heard about the festival in a café in Reet. ‘We never miss it,’ they said. ‘It’s part of who we are.’
The festival also opened its doors to the local church in Reet, offering festivalgoers a place to confess their sins. ‘They can come and unburden themselves,’ said the priest. ‘Tomorrowland is about joy, but also reflection.’
This year’s lineup features three female artists not to miss in weekend one. Their sets promise to be highlights of the festival.
As for the insurance dossier following the fire, it could drag on for another ten years. Yet Verstraeten continues to deliver LED screens to Tomorrowland, undeterred.
A year after the fire, questions remain: Has the festival learned its lesson? Are the extra safety measures enough? For now, the music plays on.
