There will be no large-scale fireworks display at the Tomorrowland dance music festival in Boom (Antwerp Province) this coming weekend, due to an amber drought alert. Only at the main stage will “limited and controlled stage pyrotechnics” be used, the organisers have announced.
No large-scale fireworks at Tomorrowland next weekend, “limited pyrotechnics” instead
Colin Clapson
Published:
The pyrotechnics to be used at the Main Stage are of the T1 and T2 varieties. These have been developed for use at short safety distances and are fully controllable, Tomorrowland emphasises. By way of comparison, the fireworks on National Day in Brussels were of the T4 variety.
The festival organisers explain that the pyrotechnics that will be used are not the traditional high-altitude fireworks and that these effects will only be deployed at the Main Stage following a daily safety assessment.
The drought situation and the use of fireworks at the festival site in Boom are being assessed on a daily basis, in consultation with the authorities. “In addition, we are taking further preventive measures, including a permanent fire watch and extra security in the vicinity of the MainStage,” the organisers say.
If weather conditions or the situation on site give cause to do so, the pyrotechnic effects may be adjusted or cancelled at any time. “Safety always remains the top priority”.
Personal barbecues banned
During the first festival weekend, last weekend, no fireworks were permitted by the local authorities in Boom and neighbouring Rumst, due to the current amber alert and the ongoing drought.
These precautionary measures will also remain in place as the DreamVille campsite opens for the second festival weekend.
There will be no fireworks during Thursday’s opening party, The Gathering, and barbecues and personal cooking appliances remain prohibited. Visitors may, however, make use of centrally organised and supervised barbecue areas.