Tomorrowland Today 2024 | Incredible Saturday

PEOPLE OF TOMORROW,

UNITY TAKES SHAPE WITHIN YOU!

What an incredible day, friends. After such a long wait, and so much agonising anticipation, it finally happened. Together, we started a new chapter in our long history of Tomorrow: we sojourned into Silvyra, the realm of lush nature, where the Mother Flower reigns. It was bliss, friends, when the Sun caressed us with her golden rays while we first frolicked down the hill to the Mainstage. We witnessed ancient tribal rituals, we laughed and hugged – and clearly, all was well in this most fabled land. Then, spilling out onto the rest of the grounds, we encountered many more noteworthy nooks

and crannies. The darkness of the Freedom stage lured us in seductively; the waters of Planaxis set us awash with awe; and looking out onto the Library, we absorbed ancient knowledge to aid us in our quest. Yesterday, friends, a seed was planted in us. All those experiences, all that excitement, planted a tender bud of unity within us, a sapling for us to nurture over the next few days. How will you do it, friends? Which shape will your particular story take – how will unity grow within you, and to what heights will you take it? Today’s your chance to make it happen as you will. Go forth – and unite.

Saturday is a feeling, a mindset and an attitude. You know it, we know it, and Tomorrowland knows it. So we’re going all out today with some incredibly exciting sets at the Mainstage, including those by rapidly ascendant nu-rave star Amber Broos, Afterlife duo Tale of Us, Ushuaïa residents Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, king of trance Armin van Buuren, and jack-of-all-trades Steve Aoki. Don’t forget to check out Freedom, where music heads go to get a hint of the sonic future. This is where you’ll find Joris Voorn play a b2b with versatile Finnish producer Yotto, before Swedish dance music don Alesso and hardstyle mainstays Sub Zero Project enter the booth. Today is also a perfect day to head to the leafy CORE stage, where acclaimed club heads Jeremy Underground and Dan Shake are set to take centre stage.

At Tomorrowland, every soul should feel safe, welcome and cared for. The We Care a Lot team is there to ensure just that. Their purple banners will tell you how to reach them if you need them, or want to help.

…is what all cans, cups, and bottles deserve! Please remember to use the recycling bins for all recyclables. Using our planet’s resources wisely will preserve the magic for generations to come. SATURDAY’S SWEET SOUNDTRACK

THE ELEMENTS OF LIFE

LIFE as we know it is the greatest miracle of all: a riot of movement, colours, smells, and sounds, existing in perfect harmony across aeons of time. The foundation of all life, as we citizens of Silvyra are well aware, lies in the quiet, unwavering existence of plants; without complaint, they turn four essential elements – light, air, water, and earth – into nourishment, a breathable atmosphere, and a livable climate for us all. Allowing nature to breathe, fly, and communicate, air is essential to all life. Here is how it is involved in the wondrous fabric of creation.

AIR

You wouldn’t think about it, normally, the way every breath fills up your lungs with life’s least conspicuous element. But air is a miracle, and we owe it to the vines and weeds, the shrubs and trees around us. Every leaf is like a lung turned inside out, absorbing chemicals of no use to (human) animals, and transforming it through the process of growth into oxygen. In turn, as we inhale that most essential stuff, we convert it back into the carbon dioxide that plants need to survive. Through the alchemical cycle of air, almost all of the natural world breathes as one, sustaining each other in a perfectly coordinated mutual dance.

Air is more than that, however; it is also the carrier of sound. When voices join in harmony, when music drifts across Silvyra’s skies, it is air doing the hard work, transferring vibrations from source to listener. To sing is to manipulate air, employing it as a connective tissue between yourself and your surroundings. And then, there is smell, the language of the plants and pollinators. Carried upon ever-changing air currents, the creatures around us are constantly emitting the complex aromas to which we Silvyrans are so attuned, using them to communicate their needs and desires. Just like sound and music, every scent tells a story, and without air, we would be able to understand none of them.

CONNECT 24/7 WITH TOMORROWLAND

tiktok.com/@tomorrowland instagram.com/tomorrowland discord.com/invite/tomorrowland facebook.com/tomorrowland twitter.com/tomorrowland youtube.com/tomorrowland

“Too good to be true, our worlds collide

Now I understand why It’s been so long on the other side

Afraid my heart was gonna die

So look straight into my eyes

Tell me the truth and not lies

Put your hands up and testify

And my heart will come alive”

Netsky – Come Alive

HIGHLIGHTS TOMORROWLAND TODAY

4-6

DREAMVILLE

Read the latest about what’s going on around the campsite.

10, 11

ALOK

A Brazilian star with a special place for Tomorrowland in his heart.

7, 21

DAILY WISDOM

The latest news on everything Tomorrowland.

12, 13

A PLANT-BASED TOUR

Discover the bounties that culinary LIFE has to offer!

14, 15

ARMIN VAN BUUREN

The master shares his seven best memories of 20 Years Tomorrowland.

OPENING HOURS

The gates of Tomorrowland opened at 12:00 on Friday, and from then on it’s non-stop dancing until the gates shut at 01:00 on Saturday and 00:00 on Sunday. Festival entrance from DreamVille is possible until 23:00 on Saturday and 22:00 on Sunday. From DreamVille, festival re-entry is possible after 17:00. Re-entry is not allowed with a day ticket.

LOCKERS

No one wants to carry a lot of stuff around on the dance floor and there is no need to. You can find the locations of the lockers on the floorplan in this newspaper or in the app.

FIRST AID

Medical emergency? Look for the ‘First Aid’ signs or find First Aid locations on your floorplan. There is always a doctor with every team. To bring medication onto the grounds you will need a doctor’s certificate.

dreamville

breakfast in paradise

The vibrating energy and primal rhythms of the first festival day still linger in the air as DreamVille starts to come to life once more. Slowly but surely, the beautiful site starts to resemble a buzzing meadow as campers awaken from their well-needed slumber. With the smell of freshly cooked eggs, fruit salads, and roasted coffee beans wafting over the tents, preparations for an exciting day on the hallowed grounds of Tomorrowland commence. One thing is for sure: your morning rituals are just as diverse as your personalities! Let’s check in with some inhabitants of DreamVille and see how they spent their morning in paradise.

read all about it

boy… What a life! These well-dressed paperboys deliver a fresh Tomorrowland Today daily, dropping it right at your DreamVille doorstep. Every morning, they hop on their bikes to bring the People of Tomorrow yesterday’s latest and tomorrow’s hottest. Give our boys a hug when you see them and, of course, enjoy the newspaper! Didn’t spot the boys in the morning because you couldn’t drag yourself out of your tent? No worries! You can also grab a copy of Tomorrowland Today at one of the District Houses, as the paperboys always drop off a stack there too.

Ratzel, Venezuela & Zerina, Bosnia-Herzegovina They met on vacation at a club in Germany, and now they are celebrating their love for the fourth time at Tomorrowland – Ratzel and Zerina are clearly living their best life. Every morning, Ratzel makes Zerina breakfast. After all, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, right?

Lea, Switzerland

Lea is here with her boyfriend and auntie, and it’s her sixth time exploring Tomorrowland. She is most looking forward to all the hardstyle music – the harder, the better. “But I want to see all the decorations too, and last but not least, all the lovely People of Tomorrow and their smiles!”

Oh

Nathan, Brazil

It is the walk of shame for Nathan; his air mattress got punctured last night, after him and his wife took the Gathering by storm. Hmm, how exactly did that happen now, Nathan? In any case, you’re all set up with a new one already!

Jenn, Ireland

“The fireworks yesterday were amazing! I loved every second of it. I dreamt about the Gathering and slept very comfortably in my tent. I’m going to stretch at the yoga class in a bit, and then I’ll be completely ready to go!” You go Jenn – you’re the fireworks!

& Mac, Canada

These Canadian boys start the day with champagne and continue with vodka-Red Bull. “We are a doctor and a dentist, so we definitely know the best way to wake up, right? It’s a breakfast of champions!” Well, you can’t deny Mac & Dimitri know how to celebrate life.

art in the forest

On your morning stroll through DreamVille, keep your eyes peeled for Eres, the incredibly creative painter. When we encounter him, he is busy working on a portrait. “Every day, I paint the likeness of one of the Amicorum Spectaculum’s characters. It takes a few hours for a single painting. Last weekend, I already did the Ringmaster, the Fortune Teller, and the Blind Conductor, and now I’m working on the Puppet Master.” Curious about Eres’ creations? Take a look around the woods lining the campsite, and see if you can find his portraits on the way!

David, Spain

“Wow, that was so refreshing!” David smells squeaky clean indeed. “This is the best morning routine ever. It is very important to clean yourself before going into the field again. The shower bucket is really a cool thing! I feel like a god in the magic woods.”

Dimitri

Oh no! Jordan’s misplaced his towel somewhere along the way. “It got lost in a wonderful journey coming to Tomorrowland,” he says, so he’s buying one now at the Marketplace. “I’m very happy with it. It is a bit small, though...”

“I always start the day calmly on a bench with the newspaper.” Mitchel clearly has his priorities straight. “I am waiting for a friend who will arrive soon, and then I will show her everything I’ve learnt. I will give her a true Tomorrowland Holy Grounds tour!”

balance area

saturday

YOGA NIDRA 09:00

BODYBALANCE 09:45

YIN YOGA 10:30

HATHA YOGA 11:15

KUNDALINI YOGA 12:00

LES MILLS PILATES 12:45

SILENT DISCO YOGA 13:30

love tomorrow podcast

In their studio by the DreamVille Recycle Club, Love Tomorrow records podcasts every day on topics related to health, sustainability, and the music industry. You can follow the recordings live at the studio, so don’t hesitate and drop in for a sneak peek! Today, two instalments of Music Runs the World are being taped, with Glenn De Leener of KNTXT – Charlotte de Witte’s label – coming in at 11:30 to discuss the importance of creativity and being future-proof in the industry, and Bibi Seck, Cellini, and Faisal talking about their creative processes, cultural influences, and personal experiences at 12:30.

Australia

Pri is enthusiastically socializing. “I love making new friends! I just had my breakfast here, a simple banana; that’s enough for me now. It’s more important to socialize and talk about all the nice things to see here. I am so excited for Swedish House Mafia today!”

recovery area

saturday

09:30 BODYPUMP

10:00 LES MILLS DANCE

10:30 BODYCOMBAT

11:00 LES MILLS GRIT

11:30 BODYATTACK

12:00 BODYPUMP

12:30 BODYCOMBAT

13:00 LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT

13:30 LES MILLS DANCE

Feeling free as a butterfly, Alessia says, “It is not only the music, but everything together. Just look at the gym! It’s so well-equipped and big this year. I go every day; that’s the best way to start your adventure for the day.”

Pri,

Alessia, Italy

Jordan, France

Mitchel, Nigeria

SPRINKLE THE SPARKLE

Solo Vida, Tomorrowland’s very own sparkling wine, is made with the finest quality grapes and cared for with love, making it perfect for celebrating life and sharing moments of happiness and joy. Sounds like a delight for your senses, doesn’t it? The Solo Vida bar at Mesa Garden will amaze the People of Tomorrow, for sure, and you have a chance to win a Solo Vida bottle experience there! How? Very simple: take a sparkling photo with Solo Vida and share it on your Instagram, tag @solovida_official and enter the competition. The winners will be chosen on Sunday afternoon, so make sure you get your eyes on their Instagram!

CREATE YOUR OWN SYMPHONY

What is the best place to listen to music – Tomorrowland, yes, but besides that? How about when you have that little moment to yourself, driving your car? BMW couldn’t agree more; driving to the sound of hand-picked soundtracks is what they’ve been doing for as long as they can remember. Partnering with Tomorrowland, BMW will be presenting a digital experience at the festival, where you will be invited to create your own Symphony of Joy. To participate, go to their stand at the food court behind the Mainstage. You will be prompted to select the vibe you like before choosing colours and more, all to create a stunning composition by yourself. Move on to the next room, and you will hear, see, and feel the result of your work. There are more symphonic elements to Tomorrowland than just this workshop, by the way; don’t miss the orchestral Symphony of Unity performance at the Freedom stage on Saturday, together with BMW!

THE FUTURE OF SOUND

Nothing unites people and awakens emotions like music does. For that reason, the sound engineers at Areal set themselves the mission to elevate our live music experience, creating an immersive sound technology. Their processors were installed at the Mesa Garden, Freedom, Rose Garden, Rise, Planaxis, Atmosphere, and CORE stages, enabling a real-time conversion from stereo sound into Areal’s new, immersive experience of music. The result? A more detailed and truly realistic reproduction of sound, less noise pollution, and lower dB levels. Pick your favourite DJs on the line-up and come experience their music like never before!

Tomorrowland is where you dance amidst the flowers, trees and mushrooms; it is sunlight, bright skies and smiles. But the festival is rooted in and inspired by club culture, which is defined instead by darkness, smoke and flashing lights. So it makes total sense that you will also find some of the world’s biggest indoor dancefloors right here at the Holy Grounds. Freedom by Bud is the largest of them all and comes with an overwhelming LED lighting installation, providing a visual adventure to further enhance the sonic magic that you are bound to experience here. This exquisitely illuminated rave arena is where you might want to immerse yourself on Saturday in the orchestral heaven that is Symphony of Unity. The next day, Freedom by Bud is where any admirer of melodic, suspenseful techno will want to go for a mesmerising Afterlife showcase – featuring a headline performance by Tale of Us – which is always one of the indisputable highlights of any Tomorrowland edition.

Have you always dreamt of playing one of the sixteen stages of the festival, or are you curious about the magic your favourite DJs and artists are working up there in the booth? Then head over to the Coke Studio, where Coca-Cola has lined up a battery of DJ gear and turntables for you to take a test drive. Take some basic lessons from renowned DJs in how to work the material, play your first track, and maybe slip in a loop or a special effect! While you’re there, look out for the magical secret room inside the studios, which is only accessible to those who manage to collect their password from the bar. Be brave and ask for it!

As an extension of the search for talent in the Coke Studio, the line-up at the Rise stage by Coca Cola features up-andcoming talents throughout the weekend. Curious? You can find the Coke Studio and the Rise stage right next to each other, near the CAGE stage. And keep an ear out for the magical moments, happening every day at 20:00.

Fiona from Canada

Fiona smiles and says: “Nean, my best friend, just gave birth to twins: a boy and a girl. She’s over the moon with them right now, but I’ll send her these hoping that we can go together next year.”

We hope so too, Fiona!

MAINSTAGE MESSAGES

TO WHOM DO YOU GIVE FLOWERS?

This year’s Mainstage captures everything that we love Mother Earth for: the realm of Sylvira is brimming with mushrooms, flowers, mountainous stretches, and a gorgeous DJ booth, crowned with the flower central to this year’s story: the mythical aedela. This enchanting setting not only showcases nature’s beauty, but also invites us to share a bit of its magic with someone special. Let’s see what happens when we give the People of Tomorrow a bouquet of Mainstage flowers and ask: “If you could give these flowers to anyone in the world, who would it be?”

Helena from Scotland

“I would love to give the magic of the Mainstage to a stranger. Or actually, I would give it to everyone in the world, because I want them all to have such a magical experience.” What a lovely thought, Helena!

Eva from Belgium

“It would have to be my best friend Charlotte. She lives in France, and I’m in Belgium, so we don’t get to see each other that often. Unfortunately she couldn’t get a ticket, but she does like flowers a lot!”

Ruby from England

“Oh, these are going to my lovely sister. She is a bit younger than me and just had leg surgery. She can’t walk right now, so a festival would be difficult for her to attend. But it would be a fantastic experience for her.”

Houssem from Tunisia

“Mum! I would definitely like to have this experience with my mum. She is the best! She has never left Tunisia and so has never been to Europe. I think her heart is just as big as the flower in the middle of the Mainstage.”

Lorelle from England

“I would absolutely love for my mother to have an experience like this. Because of her, I can enjoy it here, as she is taking care of my little daughter. She is the sweetest grandma ever.” And aren’t flowers the ideal gift for the perfect nan?

Enrique from Spain

”My girlfriend deserves these more than anyone. She is working in Spain, so she couldn’t come. I will definitely give her a beautiful bouquet when I get home! It would have been fantastic if she had stood with me at the Mainstage today.”

Chisom from the United States

Chisom was on vacation in Mexico and flew to Tomorrowland from there. “I was travelling with my friend Daniel, but he stayed there, so he gets this bunch. I will see him again when we’re both back in America.”

Michael from Poland

“These are for my mum, who passed away around this time last year. She’d always wanted to come to Tomorrowland too, but I only managed to get tickets for the first time this year. Now we celebrate her life here with my dearest friends.”

Jennifer from Germany

“My best friend Katy just had a little baby, so she couldn’t come with me,” Jennifer says with a loving smile. “But when the baby is older, they will both come to Tomorrowland! Then we will make it a tradition for all of us.”

ALOK’S LIFE BEFORE AND AFTER TOMORROWLAND

If Tomorrowland has changed your life forever, you’re not alone. For Alok – currently the world’s number 4 DJ – there was a time before his first appearance on Tomorrowland, and a time after this milestone event. That’s in terms of exposure and followers, to be sure, but his connection to the twenty year-old festival goes way beyond these surface-level metrics. Tomorrowland has transformative powers, according to the incredibly prolific artist from Brazil. “This is where people come to genuinely connect with others, to create a parallel, more beautiful world. This is a festival that changes your life forever.”

Alok, rumour has it that you love producing music sitting on your sofa, with your big fluffy dog right next to you. Is that right?

“Yes, that’s right! My dog does enjoy being with me when I’m producing songs. I travel a lot and when I’m not in transit, I don’t always want to be in my studio. It’s the personal environment of my own house that often inspires me. I feel comfortable there and when you feel pressured, you never get things done, you know?”

Your discography is immense. How do you get it all done?

“The fact that I started out at a very young age explains a lot of it. My parents are DJs, and as a kid I already produced music for my parents and their friends.”

How old were you then?

“I played my first DJ set when I was ten years old. It was horrible. I said I was the worst DJ in the world and that I would never be good at it. But my parents encouraged me to keep practicing. Then there was a key moment that I will never forget. I was very shy as a child, but at the age of twelve, I DJ’d at this event in central Brazil. I dropped a certain track and everyone raised their hands. I thought to myself: can I connect with people without saying anything? That’s when it really sank in: I wanted to keep doing this. I have to admit that later on, there was a moment in my life when I wanted to abandon everything again, too. I felt like it was just too complicated to make a living doing art. I was seeing my dad having to live with so many financial problems. It was worrysome.”

Most parents are skeptical of artistic careers for that very reason, indeed. Was it the other way around for you?

“Totally! I wanted to go to university but my dad was always like: don’t quit DJ’ing, I’d rather you quit university instead. He challenged me. He said: If I had your music production skills I would be a much more successful DJ. I then thought: if I really have these talents, I should be able to live off music. I can start producing for others or something like that.”

What was the tipping point in your career?

“If I ever write my autobiography, I will always say that there was the Alok before Tomorrowland reached out to him and the Alok after that key event. It is crystal clear to me that this is true, because being a Brazilian artist, in order to play to crowds outside of your own country, you need to cross certain barriers and that is very tough. We used to see ourselves as inferior, and thought that whatever came from Europe was better. Tomorrowland, however, gives me visibility and validation, and that’s what’s so important. This festival is like the World Cup for DJs, you know… And I say that even though I played my first set to a crowd of just security people, because it was raining so hard!”

“I abandoned the whole judgement thing and then I became free to express my art the way I wanted to.”

In last year’s ‘We Are Tomorrow’ documentary, you also mention something else about Tomorrowland: that it is a place where connecting to others is central to everything. What do you mean by that?

“I think people aren’t primarily here because of the DJs and not because of the hype either. They come here knowing that they will be transformed in some way. When they go back home they’re forever changed. It’s a 360 thing. You enter a new world that is magical. If you don’t fit into the world that you live in, you can go here to create a new one, a parallel universe full of new possibilities. This place is about connecting to people in a totally new way.”

You grew up in the psytrance scene, with your parents being DJs in the genre, but most of the music you make now is completely different. How did you develop your own sound?

“If you ask me what my style is, I would say that I’m a free spirit. I used to judge the world so much, thinking this isn’t cool and that isn’t cool. I was particular about the style of music I needed to play. But then I realized that the way you judge the world is also the way that the world will judge you back. That’s when I abandoned the whole judging thing and became free to express my art the way I wanted to. I still do see the trends around me, I see what works well and what doesn’t in certain ways. But it’s like a B-side to me, it will never again be my focus.”

Now that you’re a grown-up artist with a family of your own, how do you look back at being a child in a family of artists, and how do you feel about your own kids growing up in that environment? What are the good things and what are the downsides to this kind of life?

“Being a child myself I didn’t really like it. Back then in Brazil, my family situation was very unusual. Even if Brazil has a history of great music coming out of the 1960s and 1970s, the whole DJ thing was frowned upon. No one understood. People would think, what is all this, is it just about pushing buttons? I felt like I wasn’t fitting into normal society back home and I hated that.”

And what is it like for you and your family now that you’re living this life yourself?

“The challenging thing for me nowadays is how to deal with all of those different demands across the world, because everything seems important. You have to be everywhere all of the time. It’s important to be in North America, to be in Europe, to be in Brazil. So how do you balance this with your family life? How can you at least be with the kids every now and then and raise them? My children are still very young. They were with me for the last month here in Europe. They just flew back yesterday, but how I am going to do this when they’re older? I do ask myself these things. That said, I really love my job. I love giving ravers an amazing time when their day to day life is about working hard every day. To help them unleash that energy is really incredible.”

Your latest track ‘Allein Allein’ was released on Tomorrowland Music and came out yesterday. How did the idea for the track come about?

“Okay, so I’m a very big fan of Eric Prydz. He also did a remix of this track about fifteen years ago and it inspired me. I wanted to make my own version of it and use it as the final track for my Tomorrowland Brazil performance. Innerverse, the original singer of Polarkreis 18, re-recorded his vocals for my version. I also asked Eric Prydz to join me for this one actually, but he sadly never replied to me!”

WATCH ‘WE ARE TOMORROW 23’ FEATURING ALOK

If Alok’s incredible story tastes like more, you’re in luck. We highly recommend watching the ‘We Are Tomorrow 23’ documentary. In this insightful 30 minutelong film, which you can find on YouTube, Alok speaks openly about his life and development as an artist, alongside various other People of Tomorrow from all around the world. It’s the perfect thing to do as you travel back to your home counrty or when you’re just relaxing in the cozy surroundings of your own home.

The story of LIFE is the living proof: in the grand symphony of nature, we are all connected and interdependent, down to the very basics of our existence – such as food. In the end, all food stems from plantlife, and plant-based eating is a way of caring for your living beings, yourself, and the environment as a whole. But, you may ask, what to choose, what’s good? To inspire you to embrace a greener world, let us take you on a trip around the Holy Grounds; on these pages, you can find ideas for a plant-based 5-course menu, plus a side and vegan drink tips. Discover the magic that cooks can work with plants, and before you know it, you won’t be looking back!

MENU

APPETIZER

Tomato variations

STARTER

Roasted cauliflower

INTERMEDIATE COURSE Bao bun

MAIN

Vegan ball

SIDE

Fermented fries

DESSERT

Fresh strawberries with chocolate

DRINK

Wine & cocktail

A PLANT-BASED TOUR AROUND SILVYRA TASTES

OF THE WORLD

APPETIZER

Our plant-based journey begins at Veggies & Fermented Fries at Mesa Garden. Here, a fresh salad is served, and we pick up the side dish to our main course as well. The Veggies & Fermented Fries stand only sells plant-based dishes and is run by the Wussler family. Their ‘Tomato Variations’ is a perfect appetizer and is deliciously refreshing with a slight hint of spice. And it’s not just us saying so: this dish even won the award for Best Healthy Food at Tomorrowland 2022 from Gault & Millau.

STARTER

We continue our tour of the Mesa Garden at BBQ Bro’s. Here, we opt for a cauliflower from the wood-fired grill. According to the chef, the cauliflower gets its unique flavour by briefly grilling it first and then steaming it. Its natural aromas are strengthened by a spice mix called ‘souk’ – the Lebanese word for market. On the side we get a tahini-based sauce, made from sesame seeds and garnished with chopped coriander, pomegranate seeds, and BBQ-roasted almonds; a combination to die for, frankly!

INTERMEDIATE COURSE

We leave Mesa Garden and continue to the Freedom stage, where we get a Bao Bun at Dim’s (Dumplings & Bao’s). They produce everything themselves here, creating completely homemade fare down to the bun itself. Speaking of which, the bao bun is made with fresh shiitake mushrooms from Belgium and flavoured with teriyaki sauce out of local brown sugar. Garnished with pickled carrots and onions, fresh iceberg lettuce, fried onions, and a bit of coriander, it compliments the starter perfectly.

MAIN

For the main course, we head to the food court behind the Mainstage. Here, Balls & Glory Vegan serves us up a mean Vegan Ball. Made 100% from vegetables, including carrots and red beans, the ball is an exciting replacement to the traditional meat ball, coupled with a sauce made from fresh tomatoes. It is served on a fresh bed of iceberg lettuce, pickled tomatoes, roasted chickpeas, piri piri, and watermelon with a mint dressing. Impressively, it has a proper ‘meaty’ texture – perhaps because Balls & Glory source all their products from local farmers, so everything is fresh and comes from Belgian soil.

SIDE

After taking Gault & Millau’s Best Healthy Food at Tomorrowland award with the Tomato Variations in 2022, last year, the prize went to the Wussler family’s Fermented Fries – a great choice for a side, of course. The fermentation process involves soaking them in rice vinegar for two weeks, after which they are deep fried and topped with some herb oil and vegan mayo with a twist, featuring cayenne pepper, kimchi seasoning, and lovage powder. It’s a take on Belgium’s staple food that you won’t soon find anywhere else!

DESSERT

After all these culinary delights, a brisk walk up to the food court by the DreamVille entrance helps digest the food, and we go for dessert at Frefrayo. Freshly sliced in front of us, their locally sourced strawberries are sweet and tender. A vegan chocolate sauce – white or milk, according to your preference – complements the fruit perfectly. It’s made directly from cocoa, pressed to give a milk aroma without using actual milk, but preserving all of the flavour.

WINE

To accompany this fantastic parade of plant-based dishes, a completely plant-based Zelèn wine can be found at Artevino in Mesa Garden’s Wine Boutique. This white comes from Slovenia, currently an up-and-coming country for delightful wines. It pairs wonderfully with vegetables and other light dishes. The grapes have had three days of skin contact to develop a deep flavour, for a wine which is sweet, fresh, mineral, but above all, very pleasant!

COCKTAIL

Last but not least, a real thirst-quencher is essential for the current weather, so we head to the cocktail bar at the Mainstage for a delicious, refreshing Mesa Mule. It’s shaken with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, and as the name suggests, is a real kick in the teeth. Like most liquor-based drinks, it is vegan to boot. Santé!

THE SEVEN WONDERS OF TOMORROWLAND WITH ARMIN VAN BUUREN

In the electrifying world of electronic dance music, few names resonate as powerfully as Armin van Buuren’s. With a career spanning over two decades, the Dutch DJ and producer has become synonymous with trance music, captivating audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and iconic tracks. As a perennial headliner at Tomorrowland, Armin van Buuren has created countless unforgettable moments for fans and fellow artists alike. And so, ahead of his performance on Saturday, we asked Armin to delve into his memories and select his seven most memorable moments at Tomorrowland. From his debut appearance that set the Mainstage ablaze to groundbreaking performances that redefined the festival experience, join us as we explore the storiesof a true veteran, gaining insight into the magic that happens when a master of his craft connects with the spirit of Tomorrowland. Prepare to be transported through time as Armin van Buuren takes us on a nostalgic ride through his extraordinary experiences at the Holy Grounds, sharing personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and the emotions that have defined his Tomorrowland legacy.

FIRST TIME TOMORROWLAND

“I’ve been part of Tomorrowland ever since the first edition, and I wholly remember that first time. In a way it felt like the little brother of Mysteryland – and I mean that in the most respectful way. It was quite a bit more lowkey – about ten thousand people, is my guess – but the vibe was very, very good. My first slot was right before David Guetta and it was already a bit of a special event back then, I think I already had my own A State of Trance stage, and even at that time it was a fun festival to play. I had worked together with the organisers before for the Antwerp Is Burning festival so I knew a bit about them and our shared love for trance music. In that spirit, Tomorrowland felt like a logical ensuite to Antwerp is Burning. But to be honest, at the time I had absolutely no idea that Tomorrowland would grow out to become what it is today – even if the valley in front of the Mainstage already provided for an unmistakable magical character. In the end, it really started to explode with the Book of Wisdom stage in 2011. But like they say: all big things start small.”

NEW LIFE

“In 2013 I announced the birth of my son, Remy, right before my set at the Mainstage. He’s eleven now, and it’s hard to believe that it has been that long ago. Of course, looking back it feels a bit wild that I couldn’t stay by my wife’s side right after the birth of our son. But a man becoming a dad wants to shout it from the rooftops and share that moment with the world! I figured it was only a one-hour drive from the hospital to Tomorrowland, so I just jumped into the car at the last minute. In retrospect, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. When I look back at how it started raining and all of the crowd seemed to have tears in their eyes... Anyway, after the set I returned to the hospital where they had cleared the room so it was just me, my wife, and our newborn son. That must’ve been the moment that I felt the purest joy of my life. Remy hasn’t seen the video of it yet. I don’t think he really realizes what it means. Maybe we should do a back-to-back set at Tomorrowland when he turns 18, although I would never push him to do so!”

FIRST TIME WITH ASOT RADIO STATION

“The first time that we planted our A State of Trance radio station at Tomorrowland was another moment I cherish dearly. I felt like we were really part of the festival, and it seemed like that gave us a new perspective, another angle on the whole experience. It felt heartwarming. We even broadcast from the top of the Mainstage and next to the A State of Trance stage – marvellous experiences.”

VIRTUAL EDITION IN 2020

“2020 was the year that Tomorrowland held a virtual edition, and that was quite the experience, to say the least. Of course, you cannot match the response you get from a real-life audience, that unique atmosphere is impossible to recreate in a virtual environment. But we made the best of it and it turned out really well. The virtual setting made us test out a few things, and we were able to experiment a bit. Although it was a very, very weird year in many ways. To me, it was the year that I made a mental reset, in a good way. I worked on myself, worked on my body and turned to my family. So in that way, 2020 got a positive swing after all.”

TOMORROWLAND FOUNDATION

“Visiting the Tomorrowland Foundation at the Ektara Music & Arts School in Kolkata in India was massively impressive. Of course you have a gist about poverty, and the hard times some people around the world are facing, but being there was a life-changing moment. It made a deep impression on me, not in the least because of the pure love and passion with which the people of the Foundation handle things, and the dedication with which Tomorrowland pushes this project forward. They are really helping the children out there to build a better life, and I absolutely wanted to contribute to that. It makes me realise how lucky we are to be together and in good health.”

TOMORROWLAND WINTER

“What a quest that was, the first time Tomorrowland winter took place! For the first year, the Mainstage was still outside and during my set the snow fell heavily and without remorse. It was too slippery on the ice in front of the stage, so people took their place on the upper ring. But even then the atmosphere was already very Tomorrowland. The snow didn’t matter at all. During all those times I played Tomorrowland, I’ve had to make my way through all kinds of weather conditions – rain in Brazil, rain during TomorrowWorld in the US, cold, snow, and blazing heat in Europe – but the constant factor is the relentless energy you get from the audience. The Tomorrowland vibe is always just right.”

ONE WORLD RADIO

“I have been deeply involved in One World Radio since the very beginning, and it always has been a pleasant experience. At the time, we had a meeting about Tomorrowland starting a radio station, and I immediately knew that they’d be going for world domination from the get-go. So yeah, I wanted to be part of that! We came up with a new item called Armin’s Weekend Kickoff, where I would highlight 6 or 7 tracks each week, and we haven’t missed a single week since. 250 episodes later, we are still going strong.”

“The Tomorrowland vibe is always just right.”

HIDDEN DEPTHS OF THE HOLY GROUNDS

DISCOVERING TOMORROWLAND’S MANY SECRETS

The Mainstage being the first thing you see coming in from DreamVille, it is all too easy to get lost in its beauty. Indeed, it’s a great thing to be completely captivated by the soothing petals of the Mother Flower and its lush, natural surroundings, and by the amazing tunes that greet the visitors of Silvyra here. But even though it’s an appealing idea to just watch the People of Tomorrow dance the day and night away at the Mainstage, it would be a shame not to roam around some more, and explore all that Tomorrowland has to offer. Every corner of the Holy Grounds holds something unique and endearing, be it serenity, excitement, or new culinary sensations. What they have in common is that sacred energy that comes to be when the People of Tomorrow unite. So let’s take a walk together and find out about a few of the many secrets that the Holy Grounds have in store.

Our stroll starts at the all-new Planaxis stage, where a giant conch and lavish fountains invite you to soak in the glory of the City of Planaxis, the theme of Tomorrowland 2018. A cool breeze blows over the small hills on which dancers and onlookers can enjoy sets by Dennis Cruz & Seth Troxler, Dirtyphonics, Chuckie, and many others. It’s here where we become more aware of our deep connection to the original source of life – water. And it’s here that appreciation for the beauty of our oceans will surely wash over you like a wave.

After getting up close and personal with the colourful history of Tomorrowland, how about getting just as up close and personal with some of your musical darlings? Just swing by the One World Radio Studio, from where the radio livestream transmits the raw energy of life present here to millions of listeners worldwide. Hosts Justin Wilkes, Ben Malone, Camille Pollie, and Adam K will welcome not just you, but also the biggest names from the line-up. With a bit of luck you and your favourite artist’s paths through life will cross here.

Just a few feet over lies one of the original Tomorrowland institutions you may not yet have heard of: the Rave Cave. Climb down into the cozy dancefloor, take note of the future star playing the deck – just remember that Amelie Lens started her Tomorrowland career here – and let loose. This is a place to embrace your wild side and dance in ways that may even defy the conventions of nature.

The Planaxis experience might leave you desiring to be out on the water. Good thing, then, that tucked away in the greenery opposite the stage, you can find the Floating Dreams of Freshness ferry. As you set out to cross a part of the beautiful lake, dragonflies will race by while you get to dance to the sounds of countless surprise DJs, some of which will have even played the Mainstage. Ahoy!

After your feet are firmly back on the shore, it’s safe to assume you’ll need a bite to eat and a place to rest those dancing feet for a while. Close by, at Brasa, lie opportunities to embrace your inner gourmet and bon vivant. Grab some Apero Charcuterie, prepared by Luc de Laet and his team, and pair it with one of the amazing wines from all over the world found at the Wine Boutique. Sending your taste buds and olfactory senses on a tantalising journey is a key part of being at Tomorrowland, after all.

Setting out from there, the new Melodia stage is only a short walk away. Here you can let yourself be charmed by the sounds of the harp that signifies the Secret Kingdom of Melodia, the theme of Tomorrowland 2015. Feel its energy take you by the hand, and enjoy Mediterranean and Latin house vibes while having a refreshing drink with friends old and new. This should be a good time to have some water and re-apply sunscreen as well, by the way!

It’s time to traverse the waters of the great lake once more, getting a panoramic view of countless elements deeply intertwined with the history of this magical place. Feast your eyes on the Rose Garden and watch the giant dragon move her head as she watches over the dedicated party crowd, enjoying the wide variety of genres that call this stage home. And don’t forget to take some time to admire the madness that unfolds in front of the Elixir stage introduced just last year. At the edge of its dancefloor, you’ll find yourself at a crossing and see so many beautiful faces floating by. While you’re here, wait for one of the fantastic parades. Be there around 18:15 to catch the one with all the performers, signifying key Tomorrowland themes like The Reflection of Love, The Story of Planaxis, Amicorum Spectaculum and The Rise of Adscendo.

Rediscover the forgotten harmony of all living things.

ROSE GARDEN

RAVE CAVE

All that is left now is to get back in touch with said nature – and we can’t think of a better place for that than the CORE stage, located in a forest atop a hill not far away. It’s a setting that will, with its verdant greens, complete your rediscovery of the forgotten harmony of all living things. Here, the rhythm of creation will lead you into the eternal dance of existence. And with that, we think you are ready to embark on your journey in front of the Mainstage anew, sharing what you have seen and experienced with all the other wonderful People of Tomorrow.

If you think you’ve seen it all after reading this, you’re definitely wrong! Deep in the forests of Tomorrowland, there’s a hidden stage waiting to be discovered. Embark on an adventure and explore the Portal to Paradise by Tulum. Can you work out the clues and find it? If you do, it’s sure to stimulate all your senses – and give you a really unique corner of the Holy Grounds to explore!

Embrace your wild side and dance in ways that defy the conventions of nature.

ONE WORLD BRIDGE Portal to Paradise

CORE

CORE

FEEL EVERY SPARK

Sex comes in various shapes, sizes and tempos. Now how do you like it? Ask yourself the question and say it out loud. That’s the premise of the Tomorrowland x Durex experience. The world’s premier condoms and lubes brand invites you to enter one room at a time to share your innermost personal preferences. Firstly, there’s a room full of bubbles made of latex (how fitting!) where you will be asked if you like it gentle or more hands-on… And after that? We won’t spoil the surprise –just head over to this little world of fantasy, located right behind the Mainstage, to see for yourself. What we will say: everything ends, of course, in the Climax room, where the DJ’s sounds will bring you to a… yes, you guessed it!

SWITCH FOR TOMORROW

Step onto the One World Bridge near the Atmosphere stage and choose your switch, manifesting something you want to change in your life at Switch for Tomorrow. Commit to something that springs to mind right away, or speak a lingering thought you’ve had for years which now finally requires and deserves action. Your intention can be as simple as “be kind to everyone,” “eat healthier,” or “live in the moment,” but it may also involve more serious things like “recycle more,” “quit a bad habit,” or “work on my dreams.” You can show your switch by displaying it amongst the others and you might inspire the People of Tomorrow to do the same! You can also submit your switch through the Switch for Tomorrow website. Join the inspiring change and get on with collectively making a positive impact at Tomorrowland. Let’s create a better and more sustainable tomorrow together!

COOLING DOWN IN STYLE

Good things tend to happen in tunnels, and we’re not just talking about raves. Feel the Chill, by Snickers Ice Cream, is where caramelised ice cream bars enhance the experience of an ultimate cooldown. Keep going once you’ve entered the tunnel, take it all in, and get ready to be eternalised on Polaroid by the friendly attendants. And if you just need a hit of Snickers Ice Cream when you’re nowhere near the Feel the Chill area – worry not, as you’ll be able to buy some from every single ice cream stand on the festival.

GUILT-FREE HYDRATION

Thirsty? Choose the drink that nurtures your soul as well as the planet! You’ll find Soul Water’s cargo bike bar at DreamVille in the morning, and as the day progresses, a friendly bartender will slowly start wheeling it towards Tomorrowland. The people behind Soul Water remember its inception very clearly – it started with a bright epiphany: the idea that everyone should be able to enjoy clean drinking water without worrying about its environmental footprint. Therefore, Soul Water isn’t served in plastic bottles but in cans, which are more environmentally friendly. Admittedly, they say at Soul Water, filling up a reusable bottle from a tap comes with an even smaller ecological impact, but the truth is that what’s best for Mother Earth isn’t always feasible. It is in these situations that drinking water from a can is the least harmful thing to do.

REFRESHING MELODIES

Few drinks beat a Corona when you’re thirsty, and to enjoy one whilst dancing or stomping away on the Holy Grounds is nothing short of heaven. All you’ll need to do when you’re looking for one is find the giant harp of the Melodia by Corona stage, overlooking the lake in front of the Freedom stage. This is where you will find your soothing refreshment. Enjoy music by the likes of Adam Sellouk, Delafino, and Jeroen Delodder throughout the weekend as you move your dancing feet.

THE SPICE MUST FLOW

Variety is the spice of life, as they say. And if freshness is a thing you love, you’ve got to try something new every once in a while. So look out for the Freshness Guards to freshen you up near the shower zones and freshness points, where they are ready to let you try their fragrances. And if you’re in need of a wicked boat party – we know you are – go and look for the Floating Dreams of Freshness by Old Spice behind the Brasa restaurant. The captain will be waiting for you to take you on a cozy little trip back and forth from one shore of the lake to the other. We won’t reveal the line-up there just yet, but if you’re curious to know, just ask the Captain as you board the vessel. Once on board, it is all about freshness. We can almost smell the invigorating air of the open seas already – can you?

SMELL

Upon entering the Experience Store, the first thing that forces you to be present in the moment is the smell, as one of the Tomorrowland elves hands you a tester of the Elixir of Life perfume. This unique scent first saw the light of day back in 2016 when Tomorrowland introduced the legendary tale of Elixir of Life for the first time. Scent, being one of the most imposing of senses, is an excellent way to take you back to Tomorrowland all year long, a note of your favourite weekend in the air. And if the Elixir perfume isn’t enough, you can also liven up your entire living room with a Tomorrowland bouquet with the scented candles and diffusers by Baobab Collection. This limited edition line with notes of lily of the valley and moss will take you back to our beloved magical world, bringing this year’s festival theme LIFE into your home.

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

TAKING THE EXPERIENCE OF TOMORROWLAND HOME

If you feel the same way we do, you desperately don’t want the feeling of this weekend to ever end. You want to hold on to it as long as you can. Maybe even bottle it up, capture it, lock it with a key, and every once in a while, open it up like a little music box or marvel at it as if it were a snow globe. And in a way, you can do just that at the Tomorrowland Experience Store, located along the path from the Freedom stage to the information point and the Melodia stage. This all-new addition to the festival displays all the essential items to make your home feel more like, well, Tomorrowland. So what, exactly, can one experience here, you may ask? Guided by our senses, we went to explore all of the magical keepsakes that are on offer.

TASTE

Immediately after smelling these scents, we are drawn to the bar, ornamented with beautifully crafted bottles of cava. This is Solo Vida Reserva, Tomorrowland’s very own cava brand, designed to be shared and to celebrate beautiful moments with friends, here at the festival or at home. This premium sparkling wine is the result of tradition and knowledge, crafted with love and passion. Its little sparkles dance on your tongue, hinting elegant notes of citrus. It’s a taste that, when savoured at home, will catapult you straight into your best Tomorrowland memories.

TOUCH

Next, for a good firm feel of a unique Tomorrowland adventure, we put our hands on the handlebars of one of the two Ridley x Tomorrowland Gravel Bikes. In this corner of the store, you can ride against one of your friends and maybe even become the winner of the day. Together with Tomorrowland, Ridley have designed this special Invenio bike, a marvellous custom beast in a captivating satin black colour, which makes all of its elegant contours and clean lines come to life. If there ever was a way to be transported – quite literally – into the feeling of unity, surely, riding this bike is it.

HEARING

Now, we must never forget that the beating heart of Tomorrowland is the wonderful music. A happy home is a home where the music is always playing, and of course, you can take the sound of the festival home too. On the Crosley record player at the Experience store, you can pre-listen to this year’s LIFE double vinyl compilation. It’s a snapshot of this year’s musical legacy, and it’s etched onto a physical artifact to be kept forever. Upon putting down the headphones, our ears pricked up to the sound of the JBL arcade game and the Tomorrowland-styled portable JBL speakers on display here. And of course, the most wondrous sounds of all were emanating from the Tomorrowland Academy DJ booth, where the Experience Store holds free DJ workshops daily and hosts sets by Friends of Tomorrowland.

SIGHT

Keeping our eyes peeled after this cascade of musical experiences, we were finally drawn to the Photo Gallery and the Great Library Studios. Via the Photo Gallery, you can bring the atmosphere of the festival to your home with the Tomorrowland Photo Art collection, allowing you to choose from a number of breathtaking photos available in 3 different gallery sizes. We promise: these will really tie the room together! For the more daring amongst you, check in on the Great Library Studios: Tomorrowland’s in-house creative department where imagination and creativity converge to reveal the extraordinary. Scan the QR code and step into a mesmerising space that invites you on a visual journey – if you dare. And last but not least, for your eyes only, there’s a little surprise tucked away in the rafters of the Experience store. Clasp eyes on it, and think of how it will take you home, then back to Tomorrowland again next year…

HUMAN CONNECTIONS ROUNDTABLE PART 1

United We Dance, always on the lookout for ways to make the world and the dancefloor a more inclusive and diverse place, invited four leading electronic artists to open up about the topic of Human Connection. The notion that truly connecting with people can be a challenge, even when surrounded by huge crowds, has been the main trigger for this series of roundtable conversations with Armin van Buuren, Laidback Luke, Oliver Heldens and Sunnery James. All of these artists have their own huge fanbase – how do they let their fans know that they love them back?

Guys, what is it like for you to connect to your fans, while you’re always busy producing music and playing shows around the world? What is the best way to genuinely connect with people who love your music?

Sunnery James: “I try to be very personal, to express myself as a human being – to not just show how great I am or how much people go mental while I play my sets. I am firstly a human being, and only secondly an artist. I like to share stuff about cooking, about working out. Daily stuff. Things that my fans also experience.”

FANS LOVE ARTISTS AND ARTISTS LOVE THEM BACK

Laidback Luke: “I couldn’t agree more on those two points. Social media used to be very much about showing off, and as an artist you can’t help but be affected by that. It wasn’t uncommon to get the idea that others were doing better than yourself. More recently, I’ve started to get the feeling that Instagram and TikTok have become much more about community, that these platforms have become more real and genuine.”

Oliver Heldens: “I much prefer face-to-face human connections, but I have to say that I received a lot of heartfelt reactions through social media when I opened up about my bipolar disorder a few years back.”

“I received a lot of heartfelt reactions through social media when I opened up about my bipolar disorder a few years back.”

Oliver Heldens

Wow, Luke, that is a kind way of approaching things, and very admirable! Now let’s talk about the sense of community among your fans. Is it noticeable and if so, do you feel you as an artist are part of that community?

Oliver Heldens: “It’s more like I feel that we are all part of a community that is way bigger than just my fanbase: the dance music scene in its entirety. And yes, we as artists and fans are all part of that bigger ecosystem and I love it!”

As to you, Armin, you’ve actually deliberately created an ecosystem for your fans, haven’t you?

Armin van Buuren: “Yes – one important part of it is on Discord and it’s called Armin’s All-Access. Every Thursday night at 20:00 CET, people tune in to my radio show, which is on YouTube, Twitch, and over 100 radio stations, and then I go on Discord myself. It’s so much fun because these are fans that actually care about my productions and my gigs. There’s so much love. It’s totally different from the atmosphere you sometimes see on other social media platforms.”

Look out for another roundtable discussion in Sunday’s edition of Tomorrowland Today, where Sunnery James and Rose Ringed will discuss how a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the rave scene can foster high quality human connections.

In the meantime, check out unitedwedance.tomorrowland.com to listen to the artists speak about human connections at more length in the United We Dance podcast, powered by Tomorrowland and Absolut.

The music of LIFE is to be heard all across the Holy Grounds this weekend. In Focus on the Music, you can find all there is to know about it, from line-ups to interviews to special features. Here’s a selection of today’s hosting partners to start with!

BONZAI THE ROSE GARDEN

Are you a dance music history buff and from Belgium, France or the Netherlands? Statistically, this means that you’re probably acquainted with one of the most iconic hardcore, rave, and trance labels of all time: Bonzai Records. The iconic Bonzai tree is something of an institute, with the first records dating back to 1992. What made the imprint stand out is their cross-genre approach – you couldn’t pigeonhole whatever they released, but it all had that melodic yet energetic Bonzai sound. Among those representing the label’s timeless beats this year are Jaydee, the producer behind the mind-bending classic ‘Plastic Dreams’, as well as the label’s loosely organised DJ collective, Bonzai Allstars.

VUNZIGE DEUNTJES ELIXIR

With hundreds of club nights and daytime events on their resume, Vunzige Deuntjes is where you go if you want to boogie, grind, or twerk to the latest tunes in hiphop, R&B, and dancehall. And the convenient thing is, today Vunzige Deuntjes is coming to see you, shining in the sun by the Elixir stage! One of the main draws on the line-up is Annabel Stop It, a Londonbased DJ known for her creative mixing skills as well as her irresistible mash-ups. Rockefellababe is not to be missed either, as her blend of dancehall and afrobeats is slick, sexy, and funky all at once. Bringing all of the aforementioned styles together is Vunzige Deuntjes Soundsystem, taking years of collective DJ’ing experience to Elixir today.

THE LIBRARY LOST FREQUENCIES & FRIENDS

The Library is a place to indulge in wisdom, surrounded by the giant books strewn all around the stage. With such a variety of knowledge to attain, it only makes sense for Lost Frequencies and his wonderfully diverse group of friends to fire their beats right at you, as if they were poetry or literary fiction. Nora en Pure and A-trak & The Magician will be bringing an uplifting, melodic vibe, Andromedik and Netsky have some energetic bass music in store, and Omdat Het Kan & Average Rob will put on the kind of mad show only they can do. And don’t miss the set by the man himself – Lost Frequencies will take the stage at 22:00.

TOMORROWLAND MUSIC A FAMILY OF MAGIC

Dedicated to introducing new music to people in every corner of the world, Tomorrowland Music provides a home to electronic music artists from every different level. The label helps artists create strong stories around their releases and showcases their live performances on a self-hosted stage, right here at the Holy Grounds. On top of that, the imprint supports its artists in all their recording and releasing activities. Since this year, these extracurricular activities also include a writing camp, where some of your favourite DJs have joined forces with the world’s most talented up-and-coming songwriters.

A COMMUNITYBASED PLATFORM

Tomorrowland Music has come a long way since its inception just four years ago. Much more than a record label, it has now become a community-based platform, fostering growth opportunities for its artists. Take yesterday’s stage hosting at the Library, which boasted a diverse range of prolific producers, most of whom just released or are about to release a track on the label. So if you liked a performance by, say, Alok or Topic at the Library, you can dive right into the Tomorrowland Music playlist on Spotify to relive your favourite moments on the dancefloor, listening to the latest tracks by the artists whom you may have discovered just a moment ago. In a bit more of a background capacity, Tomorrowland Music was also involved in the curation of yesterday’s Rampage X UKF hosting. No less than four of the drum & bass artists performing on the stage – Macky Gee, AC13, Georgie Riot, and Maze – will be honoured by a joint Tomorrowland Music X Rampage Recordings EP, which is due out in August.

WRITING CAMPS FUELLED BY TOMORROWLAND

New this year are Tomorrowland Music’s writing camps in the Lab of Tomorrow, located just behind the Home of Amare Ferris wheel, outside of the festival grounds. Tomorrowland has been a hotbed for creative synergy since the very start; this is one of the reasons that the festival is one of the annual highlights for every DJ on the line-up. But starting from last week’s first writing camp, it’s not just DJs and producers who profit from this family-style type of networking, but also songwriters and vocalists. When a good match is found here, things start to move quickly. Take creative mastermind Repiet and vocalist Julia Kleijn, who co-wrote a song with Brussels-based producer Henri PFR. The three collectively made a banger of a track, which Henri played only days after its creation, last Thursday at the Gathering. The same thing happened to British duo Goodboys, who made a song with German songwriter Blazey ahead of their Mainstage appearance last Saturday. Testing it out, they received immediate public acclaim. Let there be no doubt about it: creativity flows freely whenever the Tomorrowland Music family reaches full speed.

RELEASES BY TOMORROWLAND MUSIC

Absolutely essential is the Tomorrowland 2024: Life double vinyl pack, featuring tracks by Alesso & John Newman, Martin Garrix, Mau P, and many others.

Alok’s much-anticipated release ‘Allein Allein’, a euphoric dance rework featuring the original Polarkreis 18 vocalist, came out yesterday.

The collaborative Tomorrowland Music X Rampage Recordings EP, including tracks by Macky Gee, AC13, Georgie Riot, and Maze, will be out on August 9th.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Tomorrowland Essentials playlist on Spotify to keep discovering brand new music every day.

FOCUS ON SATURDAY INCREDIBLE

DAYBREAK SESSIONS

LAIDBACK LUKE

PRESENTS WAYBACK LUKE

MAINSTAGE | 12:00

Every month, Laidback Luke – a Tomorrowland regular and an absolute icon of the dance scene –hosts an exclusive one-hour show on One World Radio, where he takes you on a magical journey back to the golden age of dance music. During the program, he celebrates this vibrant history while sharing some of his own most memorable stories. Opening the Mainstage today, Luke will likely bring the vibe of his show to LIFE, taking you way back on a tour of classic dance music.

Probably the most admired EDM DJ among underground music heads, there’s a reason for the peculiar position between mainstream and indie scenes that Laidback Luke holds. He first started getting into dance music during the early nineties when various genres of electronic music including techno, trance and house were championed at the very same raves. The sounds soon started to become associated with different scenes and fanbases with widely diverging lifestyles and views on what dance music should be. Pigeonholing practices be damned, Luke never lost the old-school, versatile approach to loving and playing music, so when EDM came along, he also embraced the grandness of that sound. Due to his extensive musical knowledge, Laidback Luke’s sets are stuffed with goodies from all genres and eras, with various intensities and tempos. Too experienced to be bothered about going with the latest trends for the sake of it, Luke plays whatever he sees fit. Luke’s love for electronic music is stronger than ever and that’s why this performance is set to be a one-ofa-kind Daybreak Session that is not to be missed.

MAINSTAGE

LIFE

Closing Ceremony 00:45 - 01:00

Steve Aoki 23:45 - 00:45

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike 22:30 - 23:45

Armin van Buuren 21:25 - 22:25

Tale of Us 20:25 - 21:25

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano 19:20 - 20:20

Amber Broos 18:20 - 19:20

MORTEN 17:20 - 18:20

Opening Ceremony 17:15 - 17:20

Sara Landry 16:15 - 17:15

USED 15:15 - 16:15

Rose Ringed 14:15 - 15:15

Daybreak: 12:00 - 14:15

Laidback Luke presents Wayback Luke

Hosted by: MC Stretch

FREEDOM

Sub Zero Project 23:30 - 00:30

Alesso 22:30 - 23:30

Tchami b2b Malaa 21:00 - 22:30

Kölsch 19:30 - 21:00

Joris Voorn b2b Yotto 17:30 - 19:30

Symphony of Unity 16:30 - 17:30

Nico Morano 14:30 - 16:30

Sem Thomasson 12:00 - 14:30

THE ROSE GARDEN

BONZAI

Bonzai All Stars 23:30 - 01:00 Push 22:30 - 23:30

Franky Kloeck 21:30 - 22:30

Furax 20:30 - 21:30

DJ Ghost 19:30 - 20:30

Jan Vervloet 18:30 - 19:30

Greg S 17:30 - 18:30

Jaydee 16:00 - 17:30

Phi Phi 14:30 - 16:00

DJ Jan 13:00 - 14:30

MESA GARDEN

Katarina Dariy 20:30 - 22:00

Neyha T 18:00 - 20:30

Chiara Meloni 15:30 - 18:00

Primal Instinct 13:00 - 15:30

ELIXIR

VUNZIGE DEUNTJES

Annabel Stop It 00:00 - 01:00

WEF 23:00 - 00:00

Rockefellababe 22:00 - 23:00

Ballantine 21:00 - 22:00

Vunzige Deuntjes Soundsystem 19:30 - 21:00

Kybba 18:30 - 19:30

Jahwin 17:30 - 18:30

Tribal Kush 16:30 - 17:30

Zoey Hasselbank 15:30 - 16:30

Dieux Pere 14:30 - 15:30

SHE 13:00 - 14:30

MC Claudio

Eddiethehost

CAGE

Pegassi 21:30 - 23:00 t e s t p r e s s 20:00 - 21:30

DJ Hyperdrive 18:30 - 20:00

Maruwa 16:30 - 18:30

Mischluft 15:00 - 16:30

Odymel 13:30 - 15:00

Azo 12:00 - 13:30

RAVE CAVE

Moritz Hofbauer 23:30 - 01:00

Mr Joy 22:00 - 23:30

Thomas M 21:00 - 22:00

Roman Weber 19:30 - 21:00

X-TOF 18:00 - 19:30

Jorn Pricez 16:30 - 18:00

Bassbar 15:00 - 16:30

MITCHED 13:30 - 15:00

Pauline Noyen 12:00 - 13:30

PLANAXIS

MONSTERCAT

Jessica Audiffred b2b Infekt 23:00 - 00:00

Koven 22:00 - 23:00

Wooli

Dirtyphonics

Ray Volpe

THE LIBRARY

21:00 - 22:00

20:00 - 21:00

19:00 - 20:00

Nostalgix 18:00 - 19:00

Oddkidout 17:00 - 18:00

Raizhell 16:00 -17:00

ShockOne 15:00 - 16:00

Chyl 14:00 - 15:00

Senator 13:00 - 14:00

MELODIA BY CORONA WITH LOVE FROM IBIZA

Delafino & Ibiza Friends 23:00 - 00:00

Delafino b2b Luna Fino 22:00 - 23:00

Oriol Calvo 20:30 - 22:00

Eli Rojas 18:30 - 20:30

Igor Marijuan 17:00 - 18:30

Valentín Huedo 15:30 - 17:00

Cristiano da Silva 13:30 - 15:30

Palmera 12:00 - 13:30

RISE BY COKE STUDIO

YVES V PRESENTS V SESSIONS

Will Sparks 23:00 - 00:00

Marnik 22:00-23:00

Mike Williams 21:00 - 22:00

Sevenn 20:00 - 21:00

Kura 19:00 - 20:00

Yves V 18:00 - 19:00

Brian Cross & DJ Nano 17:00 - 18:00

Bhaskar 16:00 - 17:00

DJ Roop 15:00 - 16:00

Odssey 14:00 - 15:00

JOYSE 13:00 - 14:00

ATMOSPHERE

blk.

00:00 - 00:55

Paula Temple b2b SNTS 22:30 - 00:00

Ellen Allien 20:30 - 22:30

I Hate Models 19:00 - 20:30

Elli Acula 17:30 - 19:00

Phara (live) 16:30 - 17:30

Amotik b2b Answer Code Request 14:00 - 16:30

Marie Julie 12:00 - 14:00

CORE

PLANET ELIZA

Eliza Rose 23:00 - 01:00

Dan Shake 21:00 - 23:00

Jeremy Underground 19:00 - 21:00

Lovefoxy 17:30 - 19:00

Bibi Seck 16:00 - 17:30

Calao 14:30 - 16:00

Unos 12:30 - 14:30

HOUSE OF FORTUNE BY JBL

Nostalgix 21:00 - 22:00

Vize 20:00 - 21:00

Mike Williams 19:00 - 20:00

Sofía Cristo 18:00 - 19:00

W4STD (Tomorrowland Academy) 17:00 - 18:00

Matt Sassari 16:00 - 17:00

Merow 15:30 - 16:00

SUNZZ 15:00 - 15:30

Admess 14:30 - 15:00

Sickzombies 14:00 - 14:30

So Blonde Sound System 13:00 - 14:00

CRYSTAL GARDEN

ZAMNA

Mind Against 22:30 - 00:30

ANNA 20:30 - 22:30

Massano 19:00 - 20:30

Like Mike 17:30 - 19:00

Zamna SoundSystem 16:00 - 17:30

Henri Bergmann b2b 14:00 - 16:00

Magit Cacoon

Hangar Soundsystem 12:00 - 14:00

MOOSEBAR

KÖLSCH

FREEDOM | 19:30

ELIZA ROSE

| 23:00

MBER BROOS A

In the electrifying world of electronic dance music, few names resonate with emerging talent and seasoned expertise quite like Amber Broos. As she prepares to play Tomorrowland for the third time, Amber’s journey reflects not only her impressive set of skills but also the evolution and maturation of her unique blend of techno and Belgian retro. From her early days experimenting with beats to her current status as an ascending star, Amber’s progression is a testament to her dedication and passion for music. Join us as we dive into her experiences at Tomorrowland, explore transformations in her musical style, and uncover what drives her continuous growth in the dynamic realm of techno.

Amber, you hosted the Atmosphere stage last Sunday and are rocking the Mainstage today. Do you adapt your set to the circumstances?

“I definitely took a different approach playing the Atmosphere last week. It was a bit more underground, a bit harder maybe, and more uptempo. The Mainstage is different. Both sets will have a 100% signature Amber Broos feel to them, but when you play the Mainstage you need to lay down a bit of a blueprint of what you stand for as an artist, because you’re playing in front of, well, everybody (laughs). The Atmosphere on the other hand provides a more rave-like vibe, a sweaty boiler room thrill. It requires a darker and more direct approach music-wise. But I’m always one to be friendly to the crowd, so I’ll always tweak my set according to where I’m playing.”

“I think I came a lot closer to who I am and what I stand for these last three years.”

It’s your third year at Tomorrowland – do you notice a difference in how people on and off stage respond and interact with you?

“I must say that I have always felt very welcome here. The People of Tomorrow have treated me

with kindness and love in abundance from day one, and I cannot express how grateful I am for that. The major difference is that more people got to know me and what I stand for over these last few years. I’m ever so grateful for the way Tomorrowland opened up the world for me. I wouldn’t go so far as calling myself a household name just yet, but I definitely want to keep up the hard work in order to become just that. Being asked to host my own stage, at Tomorrowland no less, is probably the biggest compliment I have ever received.”

You have been DJ’ing for almost ten years now, always working towards your recent stardom. What is the most flagrant evolution you have noticed in your musical style?

“I believe every artist is always evolving in one way or another – whether that manifests in style or the way you perform. I think I came a lot closer to who I am and what I stand for these last three years. It’s hard to describe, but I have always been looking for a certain tone in the story I want to tell. The boost that Tomorrowland gave me was the perfect breeding ground to explore that. My style has been described as a mix of techno, retro house, and some more mainstream or poppy breaks and edits. I’m OK with that – although I would also just play a scorching electro track if it has the right feel to it.”

Having skyrocketed to success, do you still take the time to let it sink in every once in a while?

“I do try to, yes. I don’t take any of the chances I have been given for granted, so I try to embrace all that is happening with a sense of gratitude. Part of that translates to taking some time for a walk around the festival, feeling, tasting, and smelling the essence of what makes Tomorrowland such a magical place. I saw the flower of the Mainstage opening up on Friday, and moments like that give me the kind of goosebumps I can dwell on for days to come. And after the weekend, well... I have a lot of DJ friends, so when I get time off once in a while I head out to their shows. I really love dancing and can party to pretty much every genre of electronic dance music. But if it were up to me, I’d choose DJ’ing over partying any day of the week (laughs)!”

For the second year in a row you will have your own show at the Waagnatie in Antwerp. Can you give us a sneak peek of what to expect this year?

“Just like last year, I will invite some of my friends and some of my heroes, although I cannot unveil their names yet. You can expect an even bigger and bolder production. We took the decision to move towards a more intimate setting, allowing me to be closer to the audience – almost in between the crowds. One thing’s for sure: expect a massive rave from beginning to end. Keep your eyes open for more in the very near future!”

FOCUS ON SATURDAY INCREDIBLE

PAULA TEMPLE

ATMOSPHERE | 22:30 - 00:00

Years before hardtechno even became a thing, British producer Paula Temple – playing a b2b with German artist SNTS today – was already hammering it out in the dark techno clubs of the world’s major cities. Her releases on renowned labels such as Belgium’s most famous techno imprint R&S and Jeff Mills’s Axis Records have one thing in common; they’re all hard, noisy, and not for the faint of heart. That sound is also reflected in her DJ sets, which are roaring, relentless affairs, and in her aptlynamed label, Noise Manifesto.

Beyond making eminently danceable music, there is an important ideological element to whatever Paula does. Having mentored underprivileged kids in music and technology during her twenties, she is now highly concerned about the environment in general, and particularly about the impact the music scene is having on its rapidly deteriorating state. As a producer, she incorporates this activist side into her artistry. Several of her ingeniously produced, cinematic techno tracks address topics such as political and social activism, technology, and the wrongdoings of the world’s dominant economic system. Cuts such as ‘Futures Betrayed’ and ‘Raging Earth’ bear serious messages about global heating and its possible consequences, and in fact, this outstanding DJ/producer would not be out of place as a speaker on the Love Tomorrow Conference. All her activism aside, Paula remains a purist techno artist, whose sonic interest lies in the field of acoustics and experimentation rather than lyrics. Paula Temple is one of the realest and should be on top of every techno fan’s list. Be there or be square.

DIMITRI VEGAS & LIKE MIKE

MAINSTAGE | 22:30 – 23:45

Who doesn’t know them!? Say Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and you say Tomorrowland. If you really don’t know this spectacular duo: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike are the famous Belgian DJ brothers Dimitri and Michael Thivaios, who elevated the art of putting on a DJ show to a whole new level. They have been, for all intents and purposes, Tomorrowland’s resident DJs since time immemorial, and run the label Smash the House together. Furthermore, you may be familiar with their infamous Antwerp Sportpaleis shows or their Ushaïa Ibiza residency… or the simple fact that they were ranked No. 1 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list several times. A well-known name you definitely shouldn’t miss!

TALE OF US

MAINSTAGE | 20:25 - 21:25

Visionary Italian duo Tale of Us founded their iconic label Afterlife in 2016, and it catapulted them to global stardom. They are now returning to Tomorrowland to grace the Mainstage with their presence, in what is set to be one great performance of their incomparable trance-infused strand of techno. A Tale of Us performance, as their fans are well aware, is like being transported into another world, sonic bliss powering your journey to a place where only their hypnotic beats remain. ‘Pure power’, ‘just happiness’ and ‘goosebumps’ are among the many superlatives expressed by the duo’s fans after last year’s performance. Are you ready?

OLIVER HELDENS

THE LIBRARY | 23:00 - 00:00

By the time Oliver Heldens released his first BBC Essential Mix in 2014 off the back of his single ‘Gecko’, Pete Tong had already dubbed him “one of the breakthrough producers of the year.” Heldens balances on the thin line between future house, deep house, mainstream dance and – under his HI-LO moniker –techno. If only that were the full recipe, anyone could copy the master, but Heldens’ magic goes way beyond that and ultimately, his sound cannot be pigeonholed. Always making an effort to genuinely connect with his audience, seeing Oliver Heldens play is always a joy as you dance to his solid grooves and wonder where he will take you next.

MEMORIES OF TOMORROW

Spanning no less than twenty years, Tomorrowland has piled up deep-rooted memories that have been carved into our collective psyche. In Memories of Tomorrow, we look back at the experiences we shared together, as one can only prepare for the future by understanding the past. After twenty years of uniting the world, it’s time to take a breath, reminisce, and remember…

REMEMBERING TIM BERGLING

Remember, that one time in 2018, when Nicky Romero was playing the Mainstage? There was a gathering of Swedish people, clad in their nation’s flag, making it look as if the whole of Sweden was present. From all over the Holy Grounds, Swedish visitors came together with supportive People of Tomorrow from other nations, organising a commemorative moment for the late, great Swedish superstar DJ Avicii. He had tragically passed away a couple of months before, leaving a hole in the heart of fans all over the world. To show their love and remember him, a 25 metre-wide banner was unfurled in front of the Mainstage, displaying the Swedish flag with a picture of Tim Bergling aka Avicii on it. Emblazoned with the quote “One day you’ll leave this world behind, so leave a life you will remember,” from the Avicii track ‘The Nights’, the banner was rambled over the heads of hundreds of people like an enormous blanket of comfort. Tears welled up as people fell into each other’s arms, looking for consolation. This was the ultimate tribute to the genius of an artist, a beautiful person, who left us way too young. Although sadness for his fate was rife, the tribute was a cathartic moment, with fans united in grief for their fallen hero. We can only hope that they got a bit of closure there, but fortunately, we can rest assured in the knowledge that Avicii’s monumental contribution to electronic music will never be forgotten.

Canadian producer Alain Macklovitch, known to the public as A-Trak, got into music early, winning the famous DMC World DJ Championships in 1997 when he was just 15 years old. Turntablism was hotter than hot during the last years of the 21st century, and Macklovitch was unbeatable at it. The young producer was introduced to everyone who mattered in the scene, which led to a collaboration with New York’s Armand van Helden, of ‘You Don’t Know Me’ fame. Together, they formed the duo Duck Sauce… and soon, ‘Barbra Streisand’ was born. Today, however, A-Trak is playing b2b The Magician, who has his own eternal dance hit with that one ‘I Follow Rivers’ remix. A-Trak’s DJ sets come with sounds of all sorts, ranging from the original gangster electro sounds of the US East Coast to the latest house grooves.

An artist who sits comfortably in the premier league of the liquid drum & bass genre, Netsky is one of the few major DJs at Tomorrowland playing breaks. The Belgian-born and raised producer entered the liquid scene with a bang over a decade ago with now classic anthems such as ‘Pirate Bay’ and ‘Iron Hear’t. Due to a large amount of collaborations with an wide and diverse range of peers including Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Plan B, Dua Lipa, and Swedish House Mafia, Netsky has managed to reach a broad audience throughout his career with his catchy beats, vocals, and melodies. At the same time, however, he never forgot his roots in underground club music, so expect the best of everything in his set tonight.

“THE HARMONIOUS VOICE OF NATURE: FROM THE SOUL TO THE COSMIC SYMPHONY”

| 15:00 - 16:00

Inspired by the classic sounds of EDM and big room, Indian DJ/ producer Kaushik Das aka DJ Roop has arrived at Tomorrowland following his dreams. From an early interest in singing, Kaushik shifted toward electronic music during his high school years. Also working a fulltime job as a teacher in Kolkata, DJ Roop is a skilful multitasker, switching between his trades as if it were as simple as that. Join Kaushik at Rise as he plays his first set outside of his home country, a true milestone in his career!

| 18:30 - 20:00

“Make trance great again” is a one-liner regularly uttered by DJ Hyperdive, one of the new hot stars of Berlin’s rave scene. Besides trance, this ultra-energetic entertainer also plays the very best of house, techno, hardtrance, psytrance, eurotrash and everything in between, constantly adding his signature trippy atmospheric layer to whatever he selects. DJ Hyperdrive’s sets perfectly represent the current renaissance of trance in the world’s hippest underground clubs, and it is exactly that vibe that you can look forward to when heading over to Cage for his hypnotic performance in the early eve.

THE ENERGY OF LIFE IS COURSING THROUGH YOUR VEINS!