Tomorrowland Festival - De Schorre, Boom, Belgium - 27th July to 29th July (Live Review)
Friday, 03 August 2012
Written by Adam Holden
Another chapter has been scribed into the history books of TomorrowLand, which is surely now seen as a benchmark for all electronic music festivals – if not all festivals.
Located in the town of Boom, Belgium, the festival has endured much popularity over recent years with over two million people applying for tickets for this year’s festival.
In the transformed Flanders' De Schorre National Park, superstar disc jockeys from all genres of electronic music fly into town for what is arguably the most sought after dance festival in the world.
With the likes of the Swedish House Mafia (who were playing one of their last ever sets), David Guetta, Steve Aoki, Above and Beyond, Skrillex, Afrojack, FatBoy Slim, Avicii and many many more spinning their decks at the festival, it is easy to understand why it is so successful.
However, that is by no way the main draw to TomorrowLand, although it is a hell of a reason to go. It is the meticulous attention to detail and artistic innovation that is put into every square foot of the festival.
Form gigantic mushrooms, the world’s largest temporary Ferris wheel and the most elaborate stage creations ever seen, the festival offers something no one else has ever even thought about, especially on this scale anyway. It truly does need to be seen to be believed.
The main stage this year, which is always clouded with mystery and kept close to the hearts of the organisers, was book themed. Yes, that may seem dull, but that is probably the one adjective that would not be heard or spoken all weekend.
Nearly a year in the making, the 138 tonne stage is the heaviest stage ever created. With special walkways, lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics, confetti, fireworks, CO2 canisters and one of the world’s largest LED screens, encompassed by a natural bowl and multi-layered platforms
for the ravers; it’s safe to say the stage was equipped to showcase one of the best parties ever.
Each stage and tent is individually crafted to suit its needs, whilst the rest of the festival seems like a scene from Alice in Wonderland or Disney Land. Even the flooring for each stage is covered to prevent the muddy chaos that can ruin many other festivals. At TomorrowLand, they take no chance on the weather and it is extremely evident to see where your money has gone.
However, obviously there is more to the festival than elaborate and audacious stages. It is the ethos, aura and atmosphere created by the 60,000 strong crowds that attend from over 70 countries each day. From all corners of the world, flags litter every stage in such a manner even Glastonbury would seem inferior. Random acts of spontaneity occur frequently throughout the day at all stages that highlight the togetherness and shared ethos of the festival-goers.
Each day is seen as a new chapter at TomorrowLand, and as each day begins on the main stage, a ridiculously large book opens above the DJ booth to show the large LED screen which can stream live shots of the audience and artist, produce special effects and amaze the crowd.
The party was in full flow by Friday evening, as Alesso, Brighton legend FatBoy Slim and Avicii topped the billing on the main stage, whilst Carl Cox headlined his own arena and Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak record label seemed to be overflowing.
As chapter two began at TomorrowLand, it was easy to tell who the big headliners were of the weekend, as Swedish House Mafia t-shirts were ubiquitously seen across the festival. With Skrillex warming the crowd for the Mafia, the stage was bouncing and Skrillex had already lit the fuse for the SHM to blow up the stage.
With Skrillex leaving to an array of fireworks and pyrotechnics, the SHM did not disappoint as they delivered a memorable and big set.
As the book closed to end another chapter of TomorrowLand, the stage manager climbed above the DJ booth and orchestrated a sing-a-long before saying goodbye and preparing the revellers for chapter three – something that is rarely seen at any other festival.
The world’s number one DJ David Guetta headlined the final day, although Steve Aoki finished the stage in big fashion that eclipsed the French disc jockey.
TomorrowLand is now being touted as the biggest and best dance festival in the world – and it’s hard to argue against that.
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Located in the town of Boom, Belgium, the festival has endured much popularity over recent years with over two million people applying for tickets for this year’s festival.
