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Tomorrowland satisfied with quiet edition: 'Happy with fireworks as extra spectacle, but understand neighbors' concerns'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Tomorrowland organizers are satisfied with a peaceful festival edition with no major incidents.
  • Fireworks were used this year above the Mainstage, unlike the previous weekend due to drought warnings.
  • The festival saw a positive trend in waste management and reusable cup usage, with medical services handling around 4,000 treatments.

The organization behind the Tomorrowland festival expressed satisfaction with a calm edition of the event, reporting no significant incidents. Unlike the preceding festival weekend, which saw a ban on fireworks due to drought conditions, this past weekend featured pyrotechnics above the Mainstage. "We were happy with that touch of extra spectacle, but we understand that for some local residents it came as a surprise," stated Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen.

We were happy with that touch of extra spectacle, but we understand that for some local residents it came as a surprise

โ€” Debby WilmsenTomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen commented on the use of fireworks during the second festival weekend.

Concerns were raised by some local residents regarding the fireworks displayed during the second festival weekend. Although the use of fireworks was prohibited the previous weekend under a Code Orange for drought, the advice was adjusted for this weekend, allowing for limited "light fireworks." Despite assurances from both the local fire department and the festival that all procedures were followed, some residents expressed surprise at the impressive fireworks seen in amateur footage.

Summer festival weather, exuberant festival-goers, no major incidents, no artist cancellations, and no major mobility problems

โ€” Debby WilmsenTomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen summarized the overall positive experience of the festival's two weekends.

Wilmsen summarized the past two weekends positively, noting "summer festival weather, exuberant festival-goers, no major incidents, no artist cancellations, and no major mobility problems." The festival reported approximately 4,000 treatments at its medical posts on-site and at the campsite, with most cases involving blisters. Tomorrowland also observed a positive development in waste management, with attendees better utilizing the reusable cup system and improving recycling efforts compared to the previous year.

long, sharp flagpoles are not permitted

โ€” Debby WilmsenTomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen explained the intervention regarding large flags displayed by attendees for safety reasons.

The festival also addressed issues regarding large flags displayed by attendees. While acknowledging the increased presence of national colors, possibly due to the World Cup, Wilmsen stated that "long, sharp flagpoles are not permitted." These were intervened upon several times to ensure safety, as they could impede crowd flow and pose a hazard. However, Tomorrowland reiterated that all national and regional flags are allowed, excluding those with racist or polarizing messages.

We were allowed to use limited fireworks this second festival weekend, and only on the Mainstage

โ€” Debby WilmsenTomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen clarified the specific conditions under which fireworks were permitted.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.