Tomorrowland 2026 sees ban on "large-scale" fireworks with "limited pyrotechnics" for weekend two over wildfire fears

As the sun sets on the second weekend of Tomorrowland 2026, the usually vibrant skies above the Belgian festival grounds are eerily quiet. Gone are the days of explosive fireworks that lit up the night, replaced by a more subdued display of "limited pyrotechnics" due to the ongoing wildfire fears. It's a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the dry weather that has gripped the region, forcing local authorities to issue a Code Orange risk for wildfires, the second highest level possible.

For festival-goers, this means that the main stage will be the only area where pyrotechnics will be permitted, and even then, only T1 and T2 effects will be used. These smaller variations are more accurately controlled and are a far cry from the high-altitude fireworks that have been a staple of Tomorrowland's previous instalments. Organisers have selected these more restrained options in compliance with the advice of local authorities, who are keen to minimize the risk of wildfires spreading.

This year's Tomorrowland is far from an isolated incident. The hot and dry conditions have been wreaking havoc on music festivals across Europe, leaving thousands of fans disappointed and frustrated. Just last month, Defqon.1, a 50,000 capacity dance music event in The Netherlands, was cancelled due to a "code red warning" issued by Dutch authorities for extreme heat. Katy Perry's headline performance at Werchter Boutique near Brussels was also axed due to severe thunderstorms, with the pop star apologizing to her fans for the cancellation.

For the performers scheduled to take the stage at Tomorrowland's second weekend, the restrictions on fireworks must be a bitter pill to swallow. Calvin Harris, ALOK, Mall Grab, and Indira Paganotto are just a few of the big names who will have to contend with a more subdued atmosphere than usual. But the real winners here are the local authorities, who are taking a proactive approach to minimizing the risk of wildfires. By working closely with festival organisers, they're ensuring that everyone involved, from performers to fans, stays safe.

Other measures are also in place to ensure the safety of festival-goers. Personal barbecues and cooking equipment have been banned at the campsite, replaced by communal cooking areas in designated locations. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind, especially in a year where the threat of wildfires is very real.

Daily safety assessments will be conducted throughout the festival to determine whether fireworks can be used at all. It's a cautious approach, but one that's necessary given the current circumstances. As the festival draws to a close on Sunday night (July 26), organisers will be breathing a sigh of relief that the event has been able to go ahead at all. But for the fans who've turned out to enjoy the music, the real question is: what's the future for fireworks at Tomorrowland?

• Tomorrowland 2026 has banned large-scale fireworks due to wildfire fears
• Limited pyrotechnics will be used at the main stage only
• T1 and T2 effects will be used, which are smaller variations of fireworks
• Daily safety assessments will be conducted to determine whether fireworks can be used
• Personal barbecues and cooking equipment have been banned at the campsite

As I reflect on the situation at Tomorrowland, it's clear that the organisers are taking a responsible approach to the ongoing wildfire fears. By working with local authorities to minimize the risk of wildfires, they're ensuring that the festival can go ahead safely. But as the festival draws to a close, what's the future for fireworks at Tomorrowland? Will they be back to their usual explosive selves next year, or will the restrictions on pyrotechnics become a permanent fixture?