Tomorrowland 2025 in Boom, Belgium, started with a bang, but not on a musical level: just a few days before the festival was due to begin, a major fire destroyed the iconic Main Stage. In an unprecedented feat of strength, organisers, technical partners and crews erected a new stage within just 24 hours, which became an impressive example of the resilience and cooperation in the event industry – and symbolised the festival motto “Live Today. Love Tomorrow. Unite Forever”. Also on board: over 260 Cameo outdoor lights, which provided large and small lighting productions on several festival stages, despite the time pressure and difficult conditions.
ZENIT W300 on the new Main Stage
PRG BeNeFra was responsible for the lighting design and rigging on the Main Stage. “It was a shock,” recalls Managing Director Peter Robberechts, remembering the moment the fire broke out. “But as soon as it was clear that no one was injured, it was immediately a case of: what needs to be done now – and how quickly?”. The new Main Stage was quickly equipped with a selection of immediately available spotlights, including the Cameo ZENIT W300 Outdoor LED wash lights. “The ZENIT W300s were a strong visual anchor for the new stage,” explains Peter Robberechts. “Their flexibility and quality were decisive for the overall result.”
The challenge was to reorganise the technology, power supply, rigging, networking and programming within a few hours, without compromising on safety and impact. Peter Robberechts: “That was one of the most inspiring experiences of my career. Everyone involved – from the crews and the suppliers to the organisers – worked together to achieve something extraordinary. This mutual support was invaluable.”
OTOS W12 on Planaxis and the Rise Stage
Cameo was also used on the other festival stages. On the shell-shaped Planaxis Stage, which borders directly on an area of water, as well as on the Rise Stage located in the forest, long-standing technical partner L&L Stage Service opted specifically for the Cameo OTOS W12. The IP65 wash moving head impressed with its strong outdoor performance, variable zoom settings and high colour quality – ideal for the extensive, bright stage areas and atmospheric effects between trees and water elements. “The large white areas in particular required superb lighting quality. The OTOS W12 was clearly the first choice here”, says Bart Weyts, Managing Director of L&L Stage Service. After sunset in particular, the OTOS W12s created spectacular beam effects through the treetops – a memorable interplay of light and nature.
ORON H2 on the Crystal Garden Stage
Once again this year, the Cameo ORON H2 hybrid phosphor laser moving heads were used on the floating Crystal Garden Stage with its limited rigging options. The IP65-certified lights impressed with their fast response, precise colour rendition and high integration capability in complex lighting designs, even under challenging outdoor conditions. “In a lively environment like the Crystal Garden in particular, the ORON H2s stand out with their performance – precise, reliable and visually strong,” confirms Peter Robberechts.
For Peter Robberechts, the fire at Tomorrowland was not only a shock, but also a lesson in crisis management in the live event sector: “Good preparation is important, but it’s always the people who make the difference. In a crisis situation, you need clear leadership on the ground, quick decision-making and complete trust from everyone involved. It is invaluable to have partners and employees who remain calm, act quickly and work together without egotism. Everyone made their contribution: our crew, the Tomorrowland team, all the suppliers. This disaster has once again shown what this industry is capable of.”
