Tomorrowland's 2026 fireworks are being severely curtailed due to Belgium's severe wildfire risk, with festival-goers set for a much less explosive experience. Organisers have banned large-scale pyrotechnics and limited effects on the main stage, sparking concerns over the event's traditional spectacle.
The restrictions come as Belgium operates under a Code Orange risk for wildfires, with local authorities urging caution amid hot and dry weather conditions. The measures were introduced after the first weekend of the festival earlier this month and remain in place until Sunday 26 July.
Under the new guidelines, only T1 and T2 pyrotechnic effects are permitted on the main stage, replacing the high-altitude fireworks that have been a staple of previous events. Festival organisers will conduct daily safety assessments to determine whether even these limited displays can be used.
Campsite safety has also taken centre stage, with personal barbecues and cooking equipment banned due to the wildfire risk. Attendees are instead directed to communal cooking areas in designated locations, aiming to further mitigate potential fire hazards during the hot weather.
Tomorrowland is not alone in facing extreme weather challenges this summer. Several major European festivals have cancelled or significantly altered their events due to heatwaves and severe thunderstorms, with the European Festivals Association warning of the unprecedented scale of recent climate-related disruptions.
Last month's cancellation of Defqon.1 in the Netherlands and Katy Perry's Werchter Boutique performance near Brussels due to extreme weather demonstrate the growing impact of climate patterns on large-scale outdoor events. The industry is grappling with ensuring public safety while adapting to unpredictable weather conditions.