The day is nearly here, and soon Antwerp will once again claim its title as the music capital of the world. Yes, you guessed it right – Tomorrowland is just around the corner, starting on the 19th of July and spanning two weekends. Tomorrowland is one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world, bringing together the most important artists of dance, techno, and progressive music. Last year, Tomorrowland boasted an impressive lineup of 16 stages, drawing over 400.000 People of Tomorrow from 200 different countries. Discover what makes this year’s Tomorrowland so special and explore other exciting activities to enjoy in Antwerp during the weekends by reading on!
Tomorrowland 2024: The event of the year
What’s special about this year’s Tomorrowland?
Tomorrowland was voted the ‘Best Music Event’ at the International Dance Music Awards for five years in a row, from 2012 to 2016, it has also been named by RedBull and Dj Mag the World’s number 1 Festival several times. Such is its relevance that they partnered with Brussels Airlines to provide special travel packages from about 15 destinations! Seeing all of these, why is this year’s edition so important? Well, Tomorrowland celebrates its 20th anniversary, promising an unforgettable celebration. There is no wonder why the tickets have been sold out for ages!
The theme for this year, ‘LIFE’, is based on a fantasy novel they published. The novel depicts a fantastic natural world where the two moons are about to come together. This isn’t the first time they’ve pursued this approach; they already did so with last year’s edition, ‘Adscendo.’ In fact, all of the editions follow some fantasy lore. If the People of Tomorrow want to fully understand the theme of Tomorrowland 2024, they have to read the book. Yes, you read it right; Tomorrowland isn’t just about festivals—it also sells books.
Biggest names in Tomorrowland’s line-up
Last year’s lineup featured over 750 artists, and a similar number is anticipated for this year. Alongside numerous global stars, you’ll also discover local and emerging talents. The biggest confirmed artists are David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Steve Aoki, REZZMAU5, Alesso, Tale Of Us, Tiësto, Afrojack and more. Even DJ Diesel, also known as Shaquille O’Neal, will be there!
Other EDM (electronic dance music) acts that may fly under the radar but will definitely get you moving include Denis Sulta, Aaron Hibell, DJ Heartstring, Luude, HAAI, Alex Wann, Solomun B2B Four Tet, and Keinemusik. While they may not be household names in the industry, their talent is gaining recognition by the day. You might even stumble upon a super young talent: in 2023, DJ Michelle from the UAE became the youngest DJ to ever perform at Tomorrowland at the age of 11.
Why is Tomorrowland celebrated in Antwerp?
Tomorrowland takes place in the Provinciaal Recreatiedomein of Schorre, in Boom, a municipality of Antwerp, and has done so since the beginning of its existence. The festival organisers rent the site from about 20 local farmers to set up the festival grounds. Boom is just 20 minutes away from Antwerp’s city centre. During the festival days, Antwerp transforms into a city where happiness, freedom, respect, diversity, and solidarity coexist.
The reason for Tomorrowland’s location in Boom? Well, it doesn’t have to do anything with the name, although it fits perfectly with the festival’s theme. The first edition of the festival took place here in 2005, organised by two brothers, Manu and Michiel Beers, who were looking to create an EDM festival that would leave a lasting hangover. To generate buzz, the festival organisers promoted the first-ever Tomorrowland by pasting posters all over chip shops and pita shops in Flanders and giving away free passes to Belgians to fill up the festival. It ended up attracting around 10.000 people, fewer than expected. Since then, the festival has continued to grow in line with its reputation, all while staying true to its roots!
What else can you see in Antwerp?
During the days of Tomorrowland, Antwerp takes centre stage, introducing many to the city. However, Antwerp is already renowned as one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities. It earned the title of the diamond capital of the world due to its significant role in the diamond trade throughout history. At its core lies the century-old Diamond District, bustling with thousands of diamond traders, cutters, and polishers. The heart of the city, Grote Markt, features the Cathedral of Our Lady, alongside the city hall, and other buildings with beautiful facades, creating one of Europe’s most impressive urban squares.
Antwerp’s Central Train Station stands out as one of the world’s most stunning train stations, resembling a cathedral with its neo-baroque architecture, detailed facades and ceilings. The city also boasts numerous museums, including the Museum Plantin-Moretus, the only museum worldwide on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Other highlights include MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), known for its unique architecture, Chocolate Nation, the world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum, and Rubens House, showcasing the works and life of the renowned painter Peter Paul Rubens. Among these, the Rubens House is often the top choice for tourists exploring Antwerp’s cultural treasures.
Best way to discover Antwerp and Belgium
Perhaps you are wondering, “How do I get to see all of this stuff?” Well, the best way to fully discover Antwerp is by hiring a car. With your own vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to explore Antwerp and its surroundings at your own pace, without being tied to public transportation schedules. This is especially beneficial when travelling with family or friends, as it eliminates the stress of coordinating transportation for everyone. Having a car also opens up the opportunity to visit other Belgian cities, such as Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent, enriching your trip even further.
Plus, if you are going to Tomorrowland, having a car allows you to avoid the discomfort and expense of on-site accommodations. You’ll also have the flexibility to arrive whenever you want. For group attendees, hiring a car enables seamless coordination, cost-sharing, and a more enjoyable overall experience.
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