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Tomorrowland 2026 sees ban on “large-scale” fireworks with “limited pyrotechnics” for weekend two over wildfire fears
Tomorrowland has banned large-scale fireworks and limited pyrotechnics during the second weekend of its 2026 festival because Belgium remains at a Code Orange wildfire risk amid hot, dry weather. The measures matter because they reduce the chance of festival effects sparking fires while allowing the event to continue under tighter safety controls.
Only the main stage may use smaller, more controllable T1 and T2 pyrotechnic effects, subject to daily safety assessments, and the usual high-altitude fireworks will not be used. The festival has also prohibited personal barbecues and cooking equipment at its campsite, providing designated communal cooking areas instead; weekend two runs until Sunday 26 July and includes Calvin Harris, ALOK, Mall Grab and Indira Paganotto.
In short
- Tomorrowland restricted fireworks over heightened wildfire risks.
- Only limited main-stage pyrotechnics may be used.
- Campsite barbecues and cooking equipment are banned.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the measure would emphasise that Code Orange wildfire risk represents a genuine, material threat in current conditions, and that large-scale fireworks and uncontrolled cooking fires pose demonstrable hazards in hot, dry weather. They would contend that public safety must take precedence over entertainment value, and that allowing limited pyrotechnics under controlled conditions with daily safety assessments represents a prudent balance that substantially reduces fire risk whilst preserving most of the festival experience.
The case against
Critics of the restrictions would argue that Tomorrowland possesses sufficient professional fire safety infrastructure and trained personnel to manage fireworks safely without blanket bans, and that the wildfire risk, whilst real, is manageable through established protocols. They would suggest the precaution is excessive, unfairly diminishes the experience paying attendees expect, and sets a problematic precedent that could encourage overly restrictive measures at future events even when genuine fire management capability exists.
Explained simply
Tomorrowland is one of the world's largest electronic music festivals, held annually in Belgium and attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees. Due to wildfire risks in the region, the festival has introduced strict safety measures for its second weekend to minimise the chance of pyrotechnic effects igniting fires in surrounding areas.
Belgium is currently at Code Orange wildfire alert level because of hot, dry weather conditions that increase fire risk significantly. Organisers have therefore banned large-scale fireworks and high-altitude pyrotechnic displays that would normally be part of the festival experience, in order to reduce potential hazards during this period of elevated danger.
The festival will instead allow only small, controlled pyrotechnic effects on the main stage, subject to daily safety assessments to ensure conditions remain acceptable. Personal barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment have also been prohibited at the festival's campsite, with designated communal cooking areas provided as a safer alternative for attendees preparing meals.